Employment Counsel

at  Keywords Studios

Keywords Studios continues to build world leading capabilities in services that video game and other interactive content creators need. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients working as their external partner, providing access to our teams of experts where and when needed.
People that work at Keywords Studios are passionate, talented, committed and resourceful. Human talent is our most valuable resource and, as a business, we thrive on diversity, celebrate uniqueness and work together in teams across 70+ facilities in 26 countries.
Keywords Studios now has an exciting opportunity for an Employment Counsel to be a part of its growing and dynamic Legal team. As Employment Counsel, you will provide comprehensive legal support to our expansive global HR and Executive teams, ensuring compliance, standardization, and strategic advice across the workforce. You will play a pivotal role in coordinating global legal requirements, managing employment disputes, drafting and revising HR-related documents, and fostering key relationships with internal stakeholders. This position requires strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.

Joining our team as Employment Counsel offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a globally recognized video games and entertainment company at the forefront of innovation. If you have a passion for people and the gaming or technology industries, and you thrive in a dynamic and creative environment, we would love to hear from you.

• Provide multi-jurisdictional support and guidance to the group generally in relation to a broad range of employment matters, including the contentious and advisory aspects of the employment relationship.
• Provide dedicated day-to-day legal advice and support to the global HR teams.
• Draft and revise the group’s HR related template documents, including employment agreements, severance agreements, employment policies, employee handbooks and other employment related documents.
• Advise the organization in relation to employment related disputes and claims, including by managing employment related litigation and pre-litigation matters with internal stakeholders and outside counsel.
• Assist the Corporate Development / M&A team with HR due diligence.
• Draft directorship and senior executive agreements.
• Advise on topics such as recruitment, performance issues, disciplinary proceedings, terminations, employment status, leaves of absence, discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing and employee investigations.
• Support the review and development of HR training, including in relation to DEIB, anti-harassment and anti-discrimination.
• Advise on, and coordinate responses to, jurisdictional and regional specific legal requirements and industry best practices.
• Partner with HR, the wider Legal team and various other departments and stakeholders on employment related matters generally.
• Assist in developing policies and training materials and provide training to employees on employment related obligations, to further develop the organization’s HR practices globally.
• Collaborate with external counsel and consultants as needed to address complex HR issues and ensure legal compliance.

REQUIREMENTS

• Qualified lawyer who is admitted to practice in Québec,
• Minimum of 3+ years’ experience at a top-tier law firm or a multinational organization’s in-house team.
• In-depth knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Experience in advising multinational organization’s on HR matters.
• Experience working independently and as part of cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent project management skills and strong attention to detail.
• Creative and innovative thinking with a view to balancing commercial demands against legal risk.
• Strong work ethic, a self-starter, and accountable.
• Ability to communicate professionally, effectively and persuasively, including by explaining potentially complex topics succinctly to internal stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to work effectively with others at all levels of the organization.
• Commitment to uphold Keywords Studios’ values and contribute to a positive working culture.
• Fluent in written and spoken English (communication with global team members) & French. Additional languages are an advantage but not required).

Please refer the Job description for details