Labor & Employment Senior Counsel

Job Description

General Summary:

The Labor & Employment Senior Counsel will serve as a key legal advisor on labor and employment matters, providing strategic and practical guidance to Human Resources and business leaders. This Director-level role will join a team of lawyers reporting directly to the Head of Global Labor & Employment Law, guiding compliance with U.S. and international employment laws while fostering Vertex’s inclusive culture and supporting organizational growth.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide timely, practical, and business-oriented legal advice on a broad range of employment issues, including recruitment, performance management, investigations, corrective action, reorganizations, terminations, leaves of absence, accommodations, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, restrictive covenants, employment agreements, and employee relations matters.
• Partner closely with Human Resources on the development and deployment of global HR policies and initiatives, including compliance and change management strategies.
• Partner closely with Employee Relations on internal investigations and the proactive identification and mitigation of legal and employee relations risks.
• Lead and manage employment-related disputes, including administrative complaints, demand letters, audits, and litigation; engage and supervise outside counsel to ensure cost-effective, high-quality service.
• Act as a thought leader on employment law trends and proactively identify creative risk mitigation strategies; mentor and guide HR professionals on best practices.
• Monitor federal, state, and local legal developments and develop and implement compliance strategies aligned with best practice.
• Develop and deliver training programs on employment law topics and leadership practices to mitigate risk and strengthen organizational capability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Legal, HR, Compliance, IT, Security, Communications, etc.) to ensure alignment with Vertex’s values and legal standards.
• Identify strategic tools to drive continuous improvement, innovation and self-service within HR and business processes.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong knowledge of U.S. federal and state employment laws; familiarity with UK and other international employment laws preferred.
• Global mindset with a collaborative and proactive approach to problem-solving and risk mitigation.
• Ability to provide clear, practical guidance that influences stakeholders at all levels, including executives.
• Excellent judgment and business acumen with ability to analyze complex situations and recommend effective solutions.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to inspire trust and influence organizational strategy.

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to a state bar in good standing.
• Typically requires 7–10 years of experience as an employment attorney in private practice or corporate legal departments, including experience advising on complex employment matters and managing litigation.

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Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid : work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site : work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

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Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]