Counsel II; Labor

Join to apply for the Counsel II (Labor/Employment) role at Portland General Electric.

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

The Counsel II role is a key strategic partner to our Human Resources and business leaders, providing expert legal guidance on a wide range of employment and labor issues. This role demands a pragmatic, business-oriented attorney with a deep understanding of federal, state, and labor laws, capable of managing litigation, conducting investigations, training, and developing compliance strategies within the unique context of the energy industry, which includes unionized field employees subject to health and safety regulations (e.g., OR-OSHA).

The best candidates for this role are people who enjoy variety in their work and are strong team players with the ability to work through ambiguity to achieve business objectives. They are also able to work independently and demonstrate sound risk assessment capabilities in a fast-paced environment.

• Providing excellent legal advice and counsel to a broad assortment of internal partners on a variety of topics with a particular emphasis on mitigating litigation risks.
• Preparing and reviewing legal documents and providing legal analysis, interpretations, and recommendations in compliance with corporate policies and applicable law.
• Overseeing and assisting with document collection and discovery matters.
• Overseeing and conducting internal investigations.
• Representing the company in labor arbitrations and other legal matters.
• Educating and training internal partners on legal topics and risk mitigation.
• Implementing best practices and procedures that will mitigate the company’s risk.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Carrying out other appropriate duties and responsibilities as may be assigned.

Provide timely and practical legal advice to the executive team, Human Resources, and other departments on daily labor and employment matters, including hiring, performance management, terminations, leaves of absence (FMLA, ADA), compensation, benefits, and interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement.

Manage employment-related litigation, including administrative complaints (EEOC, DOL, state agencies) and demand letters. Develop case strategies, conduct discovery and witness preparation, and manage outside counsel to ensure efficient and favorable resolutions. Represent the company in labor arbitrations and before the National Labor Relations Board.

Draft, review, and implement company-wide policies, procedures, and employee handbooks to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Proactively monitor issuance of executive orders and changes in legislation and translate them into corporate policy.

Oversee and advise on complex internal workplace investigations, ensuring fairness, thoroughness, and legal compliance.

Consulting with Senior Managing General Counsel regarding when to engage outside counsel or other outside services; establishing statements of work and objectives; overseeing selection of appropriate external resources; negotiating rates; overseeing performance to established statements of work and monitoring completion.

Supporting risk mitigation for areas of engagement, ensuring risks are identified and internal partners have information on potential risk mitigation strategies.

• Juris Doctor degree.
• Eight or more years of experience in employment and labor; litigation and/or labor arbitration experience is a plus.
• Admitted to the Oregon State…