Employment Counsel

OpenAI

. Shape OpenAI’s employment legal approach as the company scales .

Posted 10/27/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $252,000 - $280,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in US employment law, including California law, with a strong ability to advise on complex workplace matters and translate legal requirements into practical guidance. Proven experience in managing employment disputes, drafting agreements, and supporting employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

7+ Years Employment Law ExperienceStrong Knowledge of US Employment LawJDLicensed to Practice in CaliforniaExperience Advising on International Employment Matters

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Employment LawDrafting Employment DocumentsNegotiating Employment AgreementsManaging Employment DisputesAdvising on Mergers and Acquisitions

Soft Skills

Strong Work EthicClear CommunicationEmpathySound JudgmentAbility to Manage Competing Priorities

Industry Keywords

California Employment LawWorkplace PracticesAI in EmploymentEmployee ConductLeaves of Absence

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Shape OpenAI’s employment legal approach as the company scales
Develop practical policies, playbooks, and processes addressing recurring employment issues
Collaborate with senior employment counsel and cross-functional partners on US employment matters
Advise on recruiting, hiring, performance management, employee conduct, leaves of absence, accommodations, and separations
Own designated stakeholder relationships and counseling matters
Advise on international employment matters
Support employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions, including diligence and workforce integration
Partner on strategic projects and emerging legal questions involving AI in employment and workplace practices
Translate legal developments into guidance, training, brown bags, and office hours
Manage employment disputes and administrative charges with colleagues and outside counsel
Draft and negotiate employment documents and agreements
Identify practical ways to strengthen the company’s employment practices as it grows

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years of relevant employment law experience at a law firm, in-house legal team, or combination of both
Strong knowledge of US employment law, including California law
Sound judgment advising on a broad range of workplace matters
Ability to analyze unfamiliar issues quickly and translate complex legal requirements into clear, practical recommendations
Initiative, strong work ethic, and consistent follow-through
Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work at a fast pace
Ability to build trusted relationships through clear communication, discretion, and empathy
Curiosity about technology and comfort with ambiguity
JD
Licensed or qualified to practice in California
Experience advising on international employment matters and employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions preferred
Experience providing AI-specific employment law advice preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equity
Performance-related bonus(es) for eligible employees
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents)
Paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)
Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
13+ paid company holidays
Multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year
Paid sick or safe time
Mental health and wellness support
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
Annual learning and development stipend
Daily meals in offices and meal delivery credits as eligible
Relocation support for eligible employees
Charitable donation matching and wellness stipends may also be provided