Associate Counsel, Italy – Fixed-term

Syneos Health

. Serve as a trusted legal advisor to Human Resources and business leaders throughout Italy and designated EMEA jurisdictions .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeMilan • ItalyJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Italian labor and employment law, providing strategic legal advice on employee relations, compliance, and risk management while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams. Proficient in drafting and negotiating commercial agreements and managing employment litigation and disputes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Qualified Attorney Admitted To Practice Law In ItalySignificant Experience Practicing Labor And Employment LawFluent Written And Spoken Italian And EnglishIn-House Legal Experience Within A Multinational CompanyStrong Understanding Of Italian Labor And Employment Law

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Employment LawLabor RelationsLitigation ManagementCommercial Agreements DraftingWorkplace InvestigationsRegulatory ComplianceLegal Risk AssessmentEmployee Claims ManagementContract NegotiationCorporate Due Diligence

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationCollaborationBusiness-Oriented ApproachAbility To Manage Multiple PrioritiesProfessionalism

Certifications & Qualifications

Admitted To Practice Law In Italy

Industry Keywords

HealthcareLife SciencesPharmaceuticalCROProfessional ServicesEuropean Employment LawWorks CouncilsCollective ConsultationEmployee RelationsRegulatory Frameworks

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a trusted legal advisor to Human Resources and business leaders throughout Italy and designated EMEA jurisdictions
Provide day-to-day legal advice on employment law, employee relations, performance management, disciplinary actions, accommodations, leaves of absence, workplace conduct concerns, and separations
Advise on workforce restructurings, reorganizations, reductions in force, outsourcing initiatives, and business transformation projects
Support labor relations matters involving employee representative bodies, works councils, collective consultation requirements, and union-related issues
Draft, review, and update employment-related agreements, policies, handbooks, procedures, templates, and guidance materials
Monitor and advise on employment legislation and regulatory requirements
Prepare and provide employment law training for Human Resources, managers, and business stakeholders
Manage employment litigation, administrative proceedings, employee claims, labor disputes, agency charges, and pre-litigation matters
Conduct legal risk assessments and recommend dispute resolution strategies
Coordinate and manage external counsel
Support internal investigations involving employee misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, ethics concerns, and other workplace matters
Assist with responses to government agencies, labor authorities, regulators, and third-party inquiries
Provide reporting and strategic updates on legal matters, litigation trends, and risk areas
Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on commercial agreements supporting EMEA business needs
Partner with Procurement, Finance, Compliance, Privacy, HR, Business Technology, Quality, and operational stakeholders
Advise on contract, vendor, customer, and operational risks and disputes
Support standard forms, contracting processes, policies, playbooks, and legal workflows
Support corporate due diligence, integration activities, and cross-functional legal projects
Support corporate compliance initiatives and governance activities throughout the region
Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, Privacy, Human Resources, and business teams to identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risk
Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining legal policies, procedures, and best practices
Work collaboratively across the Legal department with regional attorneys and global subject-matter experts
Support the Syneos Health Mission, Vision, and Values
Perform other work-related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Qualified attorney admitted to practice law in Italy and in good standing with the applicable Italian bar association
Significant experience practicing labor and employment law in Italy, including advising on employee relations, separations, restructurings, litigation risk, and workplace investigations
Experience managing employment disputes, litigation, administrative proceedings, employee claims, and pre-litigation matters
Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements
Strong understanding of Italian labor and employment law and familiarity with European employment law principles applicable to multinational organizations
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally with all levels of management regarding complex employment and commercial legal issues
Fluent written and spoken Italian and English
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and partner effectively with stakeholders across regions and functions
Ability to collaborate with colleagues and take a business-oriented approach while identifying and balancing risks and providing succinct, accurate, and pragmatic advice
Experience supporting multiple European jurisdictions, particularly countries neighboring Italy (preferred)
In-house legal experience within a multinational company (preferred)
Experience in the healthcare, life sciences, pharmaceutical, CRO, or professional services industries (preferred)
Familiarity with European labor relations, works councils, collective consultation requirements, benefits, immigration, and employment regulatory frameworks (preferred)
Additional European language capabilities (preferred)
Occasional travel within Europe and internationally may be required based on business needs

Benefits

Comp & perks

Career development and progression
Supportive and engaged line management
Technical and therapeutic area training
Peer recognition
Total rewards program
Inclusive culture
Occasional travel within Europe and internationally may be required based on business needs