Southern Company

Senior Counsel - Labor & Employment Law

Birmingham, AL

Full-time

About This Job

Senior Counsel

This Senior Counsel position will be responsible for effectively and efficiently providing legal counsel and support to the subsidiaries of the Southern Company, with a specific emphasis on a full range of labor and employment law matters. This position will report to an Associate General Counsel in the Southern Company Services legal department .

JOB SUMMARY:

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Location: This position will be located in Atlanta, Georgia or Birmingham, Alabama.

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Responsibilities:

+ Support multiple business units and responsible management on both strategic and tactical labor and employment issues + Regularly collaborate with various internal support teams (e.g., HR, Labor Relations, Health & Medical Services, Employee Concerns) + Direct and assist outside counsel + Other duties as assigned by the Associate General Counsel

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

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J.D. degree from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials

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Licensed to practice law in Georgia or Alabama and in good standing with the Bar required

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Minimum 7 years of experience practicing in relevant areas as in-house counsel and/or in private practice with an emphasis on large, corporate clients with multiple stakeholders required

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Substantial consulting experience on the interplay between business and legal/regulatory considerations

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Knowledge of utility and safety regulations and rules that impact the employment relationship (e.g., NRC, OSHA Whistleblower, DOT) a plus

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Experience in development, implementation and defense of affirmative action plans a plus

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Knowledge and experience in traditional labor law a plus

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Substantial negotiating experience a plus

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Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

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Extensive analytical and problem-solving skills

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Able to work autonomously on multiple and complex projects with competing deadlines

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Occasional overnight travel

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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Advise Southern Company management and support teams (system-wide) on a broad range of employment and labor relations legal matters, as well as other applicable federal and state statutes and regulations affecting the business.

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Draft and negotiate agreements, opinions, policies, and agency position statements on a broad range of employment and labor related issues.

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Assist in the development and deployment of employment compliance related policies and practices, especially ones aimed at risk management and mitigation.

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Direct and assist outside counsel representing Southern Company entities in employment and labor related transactional, litigation, compliance, and regulatory matters.

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Assist with the development, implementation and defense of system-wide affirmative action plans.

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Assist other members of the legal team by performing other assignments, as directed.

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Direct the work of para-professional and administrative staff.

BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES:

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Team player with good client service skills

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Initiative and ability to prioritize work

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Ability to appreciate and maintain strict confidentiality

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Perform work and act in an honest, highly ethical and professional manner that demonstrates “Our Values” as set by the Company

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and beneﬁts will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 12810

Job Category: Legal & Compliance

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services