Senior Counsel - Labor

About GM

There's never been a more exciting time to work for General Motors.

To achieve our vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion, we need people to join us who are passionate about creating safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. This bold vision won't happen overnight, but just as we transformed how the world moved in the last century, we are committed to transforming how we move today and in the future.

Why Work for Us

Our culture is focused on building inclusive teams, where differences and unique perspectives are embraced so you can contribute to your fullest potential as you pursue your career. Our locations feature a variety of work environments, including open work spaces and virtual connection platforms to inspire productivity and flexible collaboration. And we are proud to support our employees volunteer interests, and make it a priority to join together in efforts that give back to our communities.

Job Description

If you are an experienced labor lawyer looking for a fun, exciting, and dynamic role where you can positively impact the environment and be part of a historic moment in advancing our goal of an all-electric future, GM's legal department has a unique opportunity for you.

This position will report directly to the Assistant General Counsel and will work with senior executives within the Legal, Manufacturing, Labor Relations, and Human Resources, primarily on issues relating to labor relations strategy and compliance. As a member of the Manufacturing and Human Resources Legal Team, this attorney will help to formulate cutting-edge business strategies and solutions for our clients as we collaborate cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment. We work as a close-knit group while at the same time allowing each attorney their own autonomy to lead projects independently. Attorneys on this team effectively manage cases, charges, and other assignments in an efficient and solutions-focused manner. Our lawyers are also responsible for creating and managing budgets for all matters handled by outside counsel and supporting a culture of legal compliance and excellence through their work.

This role will be critical to moving the Legal Staff and the business towards successful completion of objectives.

Subject Matter Requirements:

• Provide expert advice and counsel to management, Human Resources, and Labor Relations regarding interpretation and compliance with national and local collective bargaining agreements, new and existing labor laws, and related regulations and guidance.

• Work closely with a cross-functional team to develop and implement strategy relative to labor/ management relations, collective bargaining and contract negotiations, and general labor relations.

• Provide representation and/or management of matters for the Company before state and federal courts and administrative agencies such as the NLRB, as well as in mediations and arbitrations under the Company's union grievance procedures.

• Cost-effectively manage NLRA litigation, employment litigation, and other costs, and productively and collaboratively interface with outside counsel.

• Conduct and manage internal investigations related to employee discipline, labor relations, legal compliance, and other labor and employment matters.

• Draft and present client training on labor and employment issues.

• Collaborate with other business functions such as such as corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, and government relations, to provide expert advice and counsel on labor matters and work on legal projects to improve business policies and processes.

• Partner with the business to effectively solve complex, multi-dimensional problems regarding Labor and Manufacturing matters.

• Support and contribute to Manufacturing and HR Team's annual objectives and Manufacturing, Human Resource/Labor Relations teams' initiatives.

Additional Job Description

Qualifications & Experience:

• A minimum of 12+ years of relevant legal experience with a focus in traditional labor relations.

• Strong leadership experience.

• Proven ability to be able to manage across various levels of the organization effectively, with and without authority.

• Knowledge and experience in key legal trends that impact the business.

• Ability to collaborate, build relationships, gain credibility, and partner effectively with others up and down a matrixed organization.

• Self-directed, solution-focused individual with strong work ethic and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to achieve enterprise-wide results.

• Ability to respectfully speak up, exchange feedback, and boldly share ideas without fear.

• Ability to supervise others as needed.

• Proven ability to establish rapport and participate in an environment of continuous improvement.

• Strong oral and written communicator.

• Commitment to compliance, integrity, and quality.

• Sound business judgment and financial acumen, including budgeting and matter management.

• Aptitude for critical thinking and succinctly presenting the best course of action.

• Exceptional organizational, analytical, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent computer skills, including advanced use of Microsoft Office Suite.

• Knowledge and understanding of automotive industry environment and business needs is desired.

• Demonstrated experience providing legal advice in a highly regulated environment.

• Demonstrated experience identifying and resolving legal issues quickly and effectively and ability to make on-the-spot risk calls.

• Demonstrated experience prioritizing conflicting demands from multiple business clients in an extremely fast-paced environment.

• Ability to set and meet multiple priorities, initiative to take on new challenges, and high energy to partner with diverse teams in a fast-paced work environment.

• Significant labor relations experience in-house at a company, at a law firm, or in a government agency with an established labor and employment practice.

• Significant experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.

Education Requirements:

• Law degree from an accredited college or university.

• Admitted to practice in at least one jurisdiction in the United States and, if not admitted in Michigan, the ability to qualify for in-house counsel status in Michigan.

Diversity Information

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that workforce diversity creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers. We understand and embrace the variety through which people gain experiences whether through professional, personal, educational, or volunteeropportunities.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications and apply for any positions that match your skills and capabilities.