Senior Counsel, Labor & Employment

Ford Motor Company

. Serve as a lead legal expert, strategic advisor, and trusted partner to Human Resources, senior business leadership, and operational teams .

Posted 10/2/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in U.S. employment law, providing strategic legal advice to mitigate risks and ensure compliance. Capable of managing complex employment litigation and advising on workplace policies while balancing legal risks with business objectives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris Doctor (JD)Labor And Employment LawU.S. Federal And State Employment LawsEmployment Litigation ManagementStrategic Legal Advisory

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Employment Law ComplianceLitigation Strategy DevelopmentNegotiation SkillsLegal ResearchCase ManagementFLSA ClassificationsADA ComplianceInternal InvestigationsPolicy ReviewRisk Assessment

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsProfessional MaturityInfluencing SkillsTrust Building

Certifications & Qualifications

Active U.S. State Bar Membership

Industry Keywords

Automotive Sector ExperienceManufacturing Sector ExperienceSupply Chain ExperienceIndustrial Sector ExperienceMergers And Acquisitions

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a lead legal expert, strategic advisor, and trusted partner to Human Resources, senior business leadership, and operational teams
Provide proactive day-to-day legal advice and counseling to mitigate organizational risk and ensure compliance with U.S. employment laws
Manage and develop defense strategies for employment-related litigation, class actions, collective actions, single-plaintiff lawsuits, and administrative charges
Direct a large, active employment litigation docket
Develop and execute defense strategies from inception through resolution
Drive early case assessments and determine settlement-versus-trial strategies
Manage discovery
Evaluate pre-litigation demands and internal escalations
Negotiate strategic resolutions to minimize financial exposure and operational disruption
Partner with HR and business leaders on recruiting, hiring, performance management, accommodations, discipline, terminations, and organizational restructurings/RIFs
Balance legal risks with business goals through creative, compliant, risk-calibrated solutions
Advise on FLSA classifications, state wage-and-hour laws, pay transparency, pay equity, and compensation practices
Advise on disability, religious, and leave-of-absence issues under ADA, FMLA, PWFA, and state paid-leave programs
Provide legal oversight and guidance on sensitive internal investigations
Advise on and review workplace policies, employee handbooks, executive offer letters, separation agreements, and confidentiality/restrictive covenant agreements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Active member in good standing of at least one U.S. State Bar, with the ability to register as in-house counsel if relocating
Minimum of 8–10 years of dedicated experience practicing labor and employment law
Proven experience managing employment law issues across multiple U.S. jurisdictions
Deep understanding of state-specific variations, including California, Illinois, and New York
Combination of rigorous training at a major law firm and subsequent in-house corporate legal experience
Comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of U.S. federal and state employment laws, including Title VII, ADEA, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and NLRA
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable, business-friendly advice
Strong interpersonal skills and professional maturity to advise, influence, and build trust with senior executives and stakeholders
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available
Automotive, manufacturing, supply chain, or industrial sector experience is an additional qualification
Experience advising on employment matters related to mergers, acquisitions, integrations, or major business transformations is an additional qualification

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous PTO
Retirement, savings and stock investment plans
Incentive compensation
Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days
Paid parental leave
New parent ramp-up programs
Subsidized back-up child care
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Option to purchase additional vacation time
Professional and personal growth and recognition opportunities