Sr Counsel - Global Employment Law

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Team:

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Law Department, where we embrace Mattel’s values and goals by providing thoughtful and timely advice to all Mattel business functions around the world.  We strive to find creative, practical solutions that prudently manage risk and contribute to Mattel’s success, and we practice law in accordance with the highest professional and ethical standards.

The Opportunity: 

We're seeking a motivated, conscientious Senior Counsel, Employment Law to join the Global Employment Law team of the Mattel Law Department.  The position will support a wide range of business clients within Mattel while focusing on employment-related advice, claims defense and litigation.  The position will be responsible for an extensive and varied employment practice and will be based at our Corporate Headquarters in El Segundo, California

What Your Impact Will Be: 

You will be responsible for assisting the Employment Law team, People & Culture (including all levels of People & Culture Business Partners and Center of Excellence representatives), and other business functions with ensuring compliance with all applicable labor and employment laws and regulations.  In this role, you will:

• Serve as a key legal advisor on labor and employment law, and personnel matters;
• Provide legal, strategic and business advice to the Law Department, People & Culture, and other business functions on day-to-day employment-related matters, including recruitment and hiring, compensation and benefits, employee discipline, performance management, terminations, restructurings, anti-discrimination, harassment prevention and non-retaliation, federal and state wage and hour compliance, leaves of absence, workplace accommodations, workplace safety, government audits, and internal investigations of potential violations of Company policy;
• Evaluate and communicate legal risks associated with complaints, grievances, charges, and other legal matters;
• Handle pre-litigation claims, settlement negotiations and mediations, and federal and state litigation, including management of outside counsel where support is needed;   
• Defend and represent the Company in matters before federal and state agencies, including the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), EEOC, DLSE, DOL, NLRB, and others;
• Work to minimize legal exposure by proactively reviewing existing practices, forms, contracts, and policies regarding employment-related matters, while considering business objectives and practicalities; 
• Draft policies, procedures, handbooks, and agreements (e.g., offer letters, confidentiality agreements, separation agreements, and settlement agreements), and prepare legal documents, memoranda and other forms of communication regarding transactional or legal advice;
• Develop training materials and provide training to People & Culture professionals and other employees on employment law issues and employment-related policies and practices; and  
• Provide legal counsel to executives and senior/middle management on changes in the law and complex legal issues, which may have significant impacts on Company facilities and operations.

What We’re Looking For:

• Broad and deep employment law knowledge; ability to readily advise on the wide variety of employment law issues that arise in a complex, global corporate environment
• Ability to identify and analyze complex issues and evaluate their broader implications for the business; interact with clients at all levels; provide timely, practical, legal advice and solutions; and communicate effectively in person and in writing
• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, and take ownership of issues and matters to their successful conclusion
• Exemplary leadership and organization skills, including program and project management, prioritization and time management
• Demonstrated integrity and ability to foster an ethical culture
• JD from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials 
• At least 8+ years of experience as an employment attorney
• In-house and large law firm experience strongly preferred
• U.S. Bar Admission; admission in California strongly preferred
• This role will work in person at our El Segundo, California offices

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy