Corporate Counsel

ExtensisHR, one of the largest Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) in the U.S. with client employees in all fifty states, is looking for talented people to join our team. If you want to contribute your talents, make a bigger impact, and be part of the growing PEO & HRO industry, we are interested in talking to you. Our renowned industry leadership in customer service starts with our people. You can contribute to delivering on our brand promise of helping organizations succeed through our people-first approach in solving customer’s ever-evolving HR needs. Our HR offerings include personalized services for HR, employee benefits, payroll and taxes, employer risk, compliance, and employee management. Today, we manage over $3 billion in employment-related costs annually—and we are growing every day.

For more information about the company visit www.ExtensisHR.com

We are looking for a Corporate Counsel who wants to trade the billable hour for a seat at the table. You will join a small, collaborative legal and compliance team and handle a broad mix of employment, commercial, risk, and client-facing work. Expect roughly half your time on employment advice and agency matters, about a third on contracts and client negotiations, and the rest on compliance projects. We don’t expect anyone to arrive knowing the PEO industry. We do expect sound judgment, strong writing, comfort talking with clients and business leaders, and a real interest in learning a complex, regulated business from the ground up.

You represent ExtensisHR. You’ll support the teams that serve our clients and explain our contracts and processes to clients and brokers.

Essential Functions:

• Advise internal HR, Operations, and Account Management teams on a wide range of employment questions, including hiring, discipline, terminations, leave, accommodation, wage and hour, and multistate compliance.
• Assist with oversight of the company’s Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) program, including claim intake, carrier notice, coordination with panel counsel, monitoring defense strategy and spend, and supporting renewals.
• Manage agency charges and litigation alongside outside counsel, from EEOC and state agency charges through resolution.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including Client Service Agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, and data processing agreements, and respond to client redlines.
• Interact directly with clients and brokers to explain ExtensisHR’s contract terms and processes, and resolve questions about our services.
• Support compliance initiatives in areas such as privacy and data protection, employee benefits, payroll tax, and state licensing and registration.
• Draft and update policies, templates, and internal guidance, and help train internal teams on legal and compliance topics.
• Take on special projects as the business grows.
• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department and the organization.

AI Utilization and Literacy:

• A key function of this role includes the effective use and understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to enhance productivity, decision-making, and overall performance. This position is expected to maintain awareness of emerging AI applications relevant to their responsibilities, apply AI tools ethically and effectively, and continuously develop their AI proficiency.

• J.D. and active bar membership in good standing. [NJ or FL admission preferred; candidates admitted elsewhere must be eligible for in-house counsel registration in the state where they will work, where applicable.]
• Approximately five to seven years of legal experience, ideally at a small or mid-sized firm where you handled a variety of matters and worked directly with clients. We will consider candidates outside this range who bring the right mix of experience.
• Substantive experience in employment law, commercial contracting, or both, and a willingness to build depth in whichever area is newer to you.
• Clear, practical written and verbal communication, including the ability to give business-focused advice to non-lawyers.
• Sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage a varied docket independently.
• Curiosity and a genuine desire to learn a regulated, multi-disciplinary industry.
•  
• Nice to Have
• PEO, staffing, or HR services industry experience.
• Exposure to ERISA and employee benefits, payroll or employment tax, or privacy and data protection law.
• Experience with EPLI or other insurance programs, whether as defense counsel, coverage counsel, or in-house.

Physical Demands: 

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing desk-related tasks. 

• Prolonged use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse, requiring repetitive motion. 

• Ability to lift and carry office supplies or equipment up to 20 pounds. 

• Occasional bending, reaching, and twisting to retrieve files or supplies. 

• Ability to walk throughout the office, including moving between different departments or meeting rooms. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in person and via phone or video conferencing. 

• Ability to focus and maintain attention for long periods while working on various tasks. 

• Must be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form. 
• Occasional travel may be required. 

• The work environment is typically quiet and climate-controlled, with standard office equipment available. 

• This role may be performed in a hybrid or remote setting, depending on business needs and employee accommodation. 

At ExtensisHR, we recognize there are many factors that influence your overall satisfaction both at work, and in your personal life. Under our ‘You Supported Program,’ we provide a great mixture of compensation, benefits, company culture, and resources to our employees that help you reach a happier, more balanced life. Some of these offerings include:  

• Competitive compensation to reward you for your hard work every day.
• Progressive Paid-Time Off Program for you to enjoy time out of the office, including time off for volunteering and life events.
• Group Medical, Dental, Vision and Life insurance to encourage a healthy lifestyle available from day one. 
• Pretax Spending Accounts to ease taxes on health and dependent care expenses.
• 401k and IRA retirement plans, employer contributions.
• Extensive professional development programs to help you get to where you want to go in your career.
• Employee Discounts on retail and entertainment.
• A social and community outreach committee that promotes a fun inclusive culture through in-office events and networking opportunities. 
• Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DEI) committee that promotes organization DEI initiatives and employee engagement.
• Complimentary coffee and snacks to keep you fueled and productive throughout the day.

• Base salary range: $155,000 to $180,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Benefits: [Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and paid holidays; life and disability insurance; bar dues and CLE support.
• No billable hours, and the chance to see your advice put directly into practice.
• Direct mentorship from senior leadership to grow your career.

Work Environment:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. 

ExtensisHR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: ExtensisHR is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ExtensisHR are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. ExtensisHR will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.