REI Co-op is united around discovering, building and celebrating better ways of working in this world, all so that folks can find and pursue a love of the outdoors. When you work for the co-op, you do your best work with the support to live your best life. And you play a part in shaping the future of the outdoors, for people and our planet.

REI’s Legal team is a key partner to achieving its vision. This job contributes to REI’s success by providing legal counsel and guidance that ensures compliance with employment and labor laws within the US. You will act as a speaking partner for union dialogue. You will equip Human Resources and Labor Relations with the appropriate training, tools, and access to relevant information to be proactive in managing risk in a broad array of labor, employment, and other Company legal matters. This position will report to the Sr. Counsel – Labor and Employment. Models and acts in accordance with REI’s guiding values and mission.

• Handles moderate to complex legal matters and projects in areas of traditional labor law, NLRB matters, collective bargaining and contract administration and helps implement Co-op strategy in those areas.
• Act as Company representative during collective bargaining with various unions
• Provide advice on issues such as hiring, promotion, evaluation, discipline, terminations, reorganizations, leaves of absence, ADA and other accommodation requests, wage and hour, allegations of discrimination and harassment, and advising on personnel matters.
• Provide thought-leadership and sets direction on legal issues impacting REI’s strategic goals and priorities with respect to its employees and the employment experience
• Serve as a subject matter expert, providing day to day guidance on Labor Relations and related legal matters and advises management on most appropriate response or action
• Reviews legal publications and pending legislation and advises management of changes that impact the Company, business and industry
• Provide legal advice and counsel on the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements
• Conducts risk assessment in connection with customer, vendor, operations, industry and/or business issues
• May be accountable for policy design, implementation and advice, litigation support, and management of outside counsel activities as necessary including establishing effective business and legal strategy to address litigation and/or other specific operations or Company needs

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of labor law experience. Having first-chair, chief labor negotiator spokesperson experience is highly preferred.
• Proven negotiation and advocacy skills
• J.D. required.
• Registered and in good standing with at least one State Bar and eligible to practice law in the State of Washington.

Essential Leadership Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically while acting pragmatically to handle multiple projects at the same time effectively and efficiently
• High level of character and personal integrity
• Ability to build open, trusting, and honest relationships, effectively influencing a wide range of people
• Willingness to manage projects autonomously, with initiative and ownership
• Ability to communicate complex information in a clear manner, and drive direction for the organization
• Team player with a positive attitude, confidence, enthusiasm and resilience
• Brings an innovative, problem-solving perspective to challenging issues
• Intellectual curiosity and desire to learn and develop new skills
• Contributes to the success of company by leading or assisting with other projects as needed
• Interest in leveraging technology for efficiency in legal operations.
• Experience in retail, consumer, or experiential/hospitality business preferred, but not required.

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.  

Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.   

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.