Senior Labor Relations Counsel

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

The Senior Labor Relations Counsel is accountable for independently performing and leading the most complex and high-impact labor relations, collective bargaining, litigation, and arbitration matters for the City. This position serves as a principal legal advisor to senior leadership regarding union relations, public sector bargaining strategy, litigation exposure, and labor-management policy. The Senior Labor Relations Counsel acts as a lead negotiator and chief spokesperson in negotiations, provides strategic direction in labor disputes, litigates cases at administrative and judicial levels, and represents the City in Superior Court, Appellate Court, and other forums as required.

Serves as a lead negotiator and/or chief spokesperson in collective negotiations of labor contracts for the City including the development of negotiation strategy, bargaining parameters, and settlement authority recommendations. Leads and directs management bargaining teams; coordinates and assigns preparation responsibilities. Researches and develops negotiation strategy based on legal risk, operational needs, comparables, and cost impact; recommends economic and non-economic settlement frameworks.

Advises and counsels City officials and executive leadership in labor relations matters, including contract interpretation, disciplinary risk, bargaining strategy, settlement proposals, and dispute resolution. Drafts and negotiates highly technical bargaining agreement language and comprehensive settlements. As a negotiator, facilitates harmonious working relationships among parties in contract negotiations. Interprets and administers pertinent statutes, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. Develops labor relations related policy.

Provides guidance to management concerning all labor/union related matters including contract interpretation and administration. Reviews and analyzes existing contracts as well as pertinent grievance and arbitration awards. Conducts grievance conferences, settlement discussions, and mediation sessions at advanced complexity levels with City and union officials. Prepares and presents City’s case at binding rights, interest, grievance arbitrations, and administrative hearings; prepares and presents cases including exhibits, witnesses, briefing, and oral advocacy.

Supervises preparation of briefs, exhibits, witnesses, and evidentiary strategy. Issues written legal findings and recommendations to resolve grievances and preserve integrity of labor agreements. Advises on enforcement or challenge of arbitration awards. Represents the City in prohibited practice / unfair labor practice complaints and administrative litigation before the State Board of Labor Relations and other state/federal administrative bodies. Drafts and files pleadings, motions, briefs, and proposed findings and conducts hearings and oral argument as required.

Represents and litigates on behalf of the City in Superior Court, Appellate Court, and other judicial forums in matters involving labor agreements, arbitration awards, collective bargaining disputes, and related employment litigation. Conducts legal research; prepares appellate briefs; participates in oral argument and appellate strategy. Coordinates litigation strategy with senior staff and manages outside counsel as assigned. Presents and advocates on behalf of the City before Boards and Commissions, providing formal legal analysis, case presentation, negotiation outcomes, arbitration impacts, and policy recommendations.

Directs or conducts investigations of employee misconduct, prepares legal determinations and recommendations, and advises management on discipline and due process consistent with labor agreements and applicable law. Performs other related work as required.

Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience with primary responsibility for public sector labor relations, including:
Lead role in labor contract negotiations. Arbitration advocacy and prohibited practice litigation. Superior Court litigation, including motions practice. Demonstrated ability to represent a public employer in complex, high-impact labor and employment disputes. Appellate-level litigation experience strongly preferred.

Advanced knowledge of collective bargaining and labor relations. Thorough knowledge of public sector labor law and collective bargaining strategy. Thorough knowledge of rules of evidence; civil procedure, court rules, and administrative law. Thorough knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and guidelines. Advanced ability to litigate and advocate in arbitration and in court proceedings, including Superior and Appellate Court representation.

Advanced skill in writing technical contract provisions. Thorough knowledge of rules of practice and procedures before administrative bodies. Demonstrated…