SAG-AFTRA is the iconic American labor union that represents approximately 160,000 media professionals. The Counsel I role is designed to protect the interests of SAG-AFTRA and its members by enforcing contracts through arbitration and litigation, while also providing legal advice to various departments within the organization.
Responsibilities
- Manage caseload of arbitration matters, concerning contract and NLRA-related member grievances against signatory producers and distributors
- Under supervision, represent SAG-AFTRA and its members in state and federal court in various litigation matters, including but not limited to disputes between members and producers/distributors/agents, based on state and federal law, and SAG-AFTRA contracts
- Under supervision, represent SAG-AFTRA in administrative proceedings, and state and federal court regarding litigation brought by or against SAG-AFTRA, including but not limited to disputes with members, vendors, and/or employees
- Advise department staff as to legal rights pursuant to relevant contracts (e.g.., non-disclosure agreements, real-estate documents, etc.), state and federal law (labor and otherwise), and other legally relevant issues (HR-related issues, website privacy policy, etc.)
- Prepare legal opinions and documents that interpret applicable laws, rulings (arbitration and other), the SAG-AFTRA constitution and contracts, and various regulations related to applicable law
- Prepare agreements and contracts pursuant to departmental requests
- Conduct legal and factual research regarding specific departmental issues
- Assist in assessment of internal documents, policies, etc., for legal compliance, and advise SAG-AFTRA personnel appropriately
- Negotiate terms and provisions of various contracts (i.e.., vendor contracts, etc.)
- Resolve informally disputes between SAG-AFTRA (for itself and on behalf of SAG-AFTRA members) and third parties, in an effort to preempt litigation
- Provide general information and assistance to SAG-AFTRA members in areas related to their work under SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreements
Skills
- Hold yourself and others accountable for a high level of performance and integrity
- Negotiating skills - able to negotiate with diplomacy
- Able to work under pressure and independently
- Capable of taking direction from more than one supervisor
- Able to professionally deal with irate, hostile, and/or difficult personalities
- Able to respond to member and third party calls in a timely manner
- Must be able to work in a challenging environment where constructive feedback from others is encouraged
- Detail oriented
- Proficient on Lexis Nexis and/or Bloomberg Law
- Must be proficient in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and PC applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing
- Able to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks under daily deadlines
- Superlative interpersonal skills: high degree of patience and tact
- Must be able to cultivate respectful, strategic and collaborative relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, both internally and externally
- Have an understanding and awareness of worker rights impacting SAG-AFTRA members
- Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance at such a level as is determined at SAG-AFTRA's sole discretion
- Must be available and willing to work extended hours (and/or overtime for applicable non-exempt positions) per day or per week, including weekends and holidays, as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary to meet its business needs
- Must be available and willing to travel to such locations and with such frequency as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary or desirable to meet its business needs
- A Juris Doctor or LLB degree from an ABA accredited law school or equivalent and at least one year's experience as a practicing attorney or its equivalent
- Must provide a substantive legal writing sample
- Active membership in the State Bar of California
- Background in labor or entertainment law preferred
Benefits
- Affordable and comprehensive medical and dental plans
- Generous pension plan
- Employee discounts and perks
Company Overview
With national offices in Los Angeles and New York, and local offices nationwide, SAG-AFTRA is the iconic American labor union that represents approximately 160,000 media professionals. It was founded in 2012, and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA, with a workforce of 201-500 employees. Its website is http://www.sagaftra.org/.