Legal Counsel

UNITED NURSES ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA / UNION OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

Based at Headquarters (San Dimas, California).

OVERVIEW

This position presents opportunities to litigate labor and employment law cases concerning a health care professionals’ union, including: interviewing members and witnesses; researching potential causes of action and developing innovative and creative legal theories to expand upon existing worker protections; drafting pleadings and briefs (including amicus curiae briefs); appearing in court, at arbitrations, or before administrative agencies such as the National Labor Relations Board; training members and staff; advising and counseling staff; attending labor and employment law conferences; and participating in UNAC/UHCP’s policy and legislative endeavors and UNAC/UHCP-sponsored meetings or events that promote workers’ rights. UNAC/UHCP is a collegial working environment where the open and frequent exchange of ideas is encouraged and expected. The position also requires a significant degree of autonomy. Both a cooperative style and the willingness to take individual responsibility are needed.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a substantial and varied caseload.

• Identify legal issues and advise on how to address them consistent with the goals and objectives of UNAC/UHCP, its affiliates, and its members.

• Investigate, research, and analyze facts and law to advise UNAC/UHCP officers, staff, affiliates, and members on issues of labor, employment and other laws.

• Pursue litigation before courts, administrative agencies, and arbitrators on behalf of UNAC/UHCP, its affiliates, and its members.

• Train UNAC/UHCP staff, affiliate officers, members on labor, employment and other laws.

• Provide legal review of UNAC/UHCP publications.

• Analyze legislative proposals and assist the Political/Legislative Department in the drafting of legislation consistent with UNAC/UHCP’s goals and objectives.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.

• Membership in the State Bar of California.

• At least two years’ experience practicing labor and/or employment law.

• Preference for three to seven years of experience but will consider other experience levels.

• Prior representation of private-sector labor unions strongly preferred.

• Ability to write quickly and effectively to a wide variety of audiences including federal and state court judges, employers, UNAC/UHCP staff, and rank-and-file members.

• Ability to speak persuasively to courts and groups of UNAC/UHCP staff, leaders, members, and unorganized health care professionals on legal topics.

• Ability to analyze complex legal issues thoroughly and to convey the analysis with precision in writing and verbally.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex all assignments on time.

• Ability to obtain a valid California’s driver’s license before starting employment and maintaining it throughout employment.

DIRECTIONS & DECISION MAKING

This position works under the general direction of, and reports to, the Executive Director.

POSITION LOCATION

Based at Headquarters (San Dimas, California), but representation may occur anywhere UNAC/UHCP affiliates and members are located.

UNAC/UHCP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, including those who are 40 and over, ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS, marital status, medical condition, genetic expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, and any other protected class or activity under California law.

We provide a comprehensive package including medical and dental benefits for employee and dependents, optical allowance for employee and dependents, life Insurance for employee, defined benefit pension plan, 401K and flexible spending accounts, auto allowance, education program which includes tuition/course reimbursement and paid time off to take approved courses, vacation, sick leave, holidays, flexible personal time off, plus time off between Christmas day and New Year’s day.