Counsel I (Legal)

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