Director; Deputy Counsel, Labor Relations

Director (I) Deputy Counsel, Labor Relations

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Under the direction of the Chief Counsel, the Deputy Counsel, Labor Relations provides legal analysis, advice and counsel, and representation to the District and Human Resource leadership regarding labor and employment matters in a complex, multi-union California community college district. This position is the District’s primary in‑house attorney focused on supporting HR in labor relations, collective bargaining, contract administration, employee discipline and performance matters, investigations, grievances, and administrative proceedings.

The Deputy Counsel partners closely with Human Resources and college and District leadership teams to help ensure timely, consistent, and legally compliant responses to workplace issues while supporting District and college operations and goals.

• Serve as legal advisor to Human Resources, college leadership, and District management bargaining teams on all aspects of collective bargaining.
• Provide legal advice on bargaining strategy, proposals, counter proposals, and costing considerations in both interest‑based and traditional negotiations.
• Review, draft, and interpret collective bargaining agreement language, side letters, memoranda of understanding, and settlement agreements.
• Advise on the legal parameters of bargaining, including scope, impasse procedures, information requests, and good‑faith bargaining obligations.
• Support preparation for bargaining, including research, benchmarking, drafting, legal risk analysis, and coordination with internal subject matter experts.

• Provide legal guidance on the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements and District policies.
• Advise on handling grievances, complaints, and disputes, including recommended responses and potential settlement options.
• Represent, or assist in representing, the District in grievance meetings, mediations, arbitrations, and other dispute‑resolution forums.
• Work closely with Human Resources and management to promote consistent approaches to discipline, performance management, and corrective action, aligned with applicable agreements and law.
• Support workplace investigations and ensure appropriate coordination between HR, management, and legal counsel.

• Represent, or oversee outside counsel representing, the District in administrative proceedings before agencies such as PERB, EEOC, and the California Civil Rights Department, and in other state or federal forums as applicable.
• Assist with or manage litigation related to labor and employment matters, including discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour, and related claims.
• Evaluate claims and potential claims, assess legal and fiscal risk, and recommend resolution strategies that protect the District’s interests.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel and oversee assigned matters to ensure effective strategy, quality work product, and cost control.

• Draft, review, and recommend District policies, administrative regulations, and procedures related to labor and employment, and advise on implementation.
• Provide preventive legal services and counsel so District and college operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, and District policies.
• Develop and provide training for administrators and managers on labor relations topics, contract administration, grievance handling, discipline practices, investigations, and changes in law and policy.

• Attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and Board committees as assigned to provide legal analysis and advice on labor and employment matters, including closed‑session topics as appropriate.
• Collaborate with District and college leaders, Human Resources, and other operational partners to support consistent and effective labor relations practices.

Performs related duties as assigned.

• Experience advising a public sector employer in California…