SEIU Local 721

Staff Counsel

Based in Los Angeles, CA

 

WHO WE ARE:
SEIU 721 is a dynamic and fast-growing labor organization, recognized as one of the largest and strongest unions of public sector employees in the nation. We represent over 100,000 workers and have over 200 staff employees covering four counties in Southern California, including Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties and numerous cities in these regions. Our members provide critical services within the public and private sectors in diverse fields including health care, social services, libraries, courts, parks and recreation, public works, higher education, mental health, and many others. They work tirelessly to care for the sick, protect the environment, support families in need, and protect our communities' most vulnerable individuals. We represent frontline workers who impact millions of lives daily and make sure their work is respected and valued.

SEIU 721 organizes workers in the public and private sectors and empowers them not only to effect change in their workplace, but at the political level as well. Through grassroots organizing, identifying, and developing leaders within our Union, we make sure that our members voices are heard, and that the government is held accountable to ensuring efficiency, advocating for those in need, and improving access to services.

SEIU 721 represents public and private service workers across Southern California who are committed to their communities’ health and well-being. Our goal is to uplift those workers who have been historically marginalized and give them a seat at the table so they may provide for their families for generations to come. We continue to grow our outreach so that we can provide excellent representation and strengthen the power of workers in a changing labor economy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Staff Counsel reports directly to the Executive Director with supervision by the General Counsel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Represent Union members and/or the Union in arbitration, mediation and settlement discussions, civil service hearings, unfair labor practice charge hearings, and other administrative proceedings.
• Manage and prioritize a significant caseload toward resolution or adjudication using case assessment and electronic case management tools.
• Interpret, analyze and apply labor agreements to fact patterns.
• Organize and manage databases and case documents.
• Conduct legal research and engage in effective written and oral advocacy.
• Train Union leaders and staff on member representation issues.
• Participate in other Union mission duties as assigned, such as political phone banking and precinct-walking.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The Staff Counsel is an entry level role within our organization. Candidates with between 0-3 years of professional legal experience will be considered. A Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and bar membership in California is required for all candidates. For applicants awaiting bar results, employment is contingent on admission to the California bar.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a team.
• Demonstrated ability to provide zealous advocacy to a diverse membership.
• Strong oral advocacy and writing skills.
• Efficient and effective case management skills, including strong issue-spotting and strategic thinking skills.
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Willingness to travel and work in different locations as needed.
• Valid California driver’s license, working automobile and valid auto insurance with minimum level of coverage required.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and building power for workers.
• Willingness to participate in non-legal Union-wide activities as directed.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Annual Salary Range is between $93,600.00 - $103,600 for new graduates; $114,400.00 - $124,400.00 for attorneys who are admitted to practice in California.
• Fully paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision and a generous life insurance.

TO APPLY:
Mail, fax or e-mail a cover letter, résumé, law school transcript, writing sample and the name, job title, address, and phone number of three professional references to:

Human Resources Department
SEIU Local 721
1545 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90017

E-mail: careers@seiu721.org

To be considered, your résumé or cover letter must show how you meet each of the job requirements listed above.

SEIU Local 721 is an affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. SEIU Local 721 works to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforces zero tolerance policies against discrimination and sexual harassment.

Position will remain open until filled.