Senior Legal Counsel (Employment Law)

At JetBrains, code is our passion. Ever since we started, back in 2000, we have been striving to make the strongest, most effective developer tools on earth. By automating routine checks and corrections, our tools speed up production, freeing developers to grow, discover, and create.

We are now looking for a Senior Legal Counsel – Employment Law, based in Germany, to provide expert legal support on German employment law and contribute to employment-related matters across JetBrains’ global operations. The role involves supporting HR in managing sensitive workplace situations, contributing to the development and implementation of employment practices that align with legal standards and business needs, and advising on employee representation structures.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to HR on sensitive and complex employee matters, providing strategic guidance that takes into account legal requirements, organizational context, and reputational considerations.
• Provide strategic legal support and pragmatic counsel to the Group Counsel – Labor Law, General Counsel, and the HR team, with a primary focus on German labor law and broader support across JetBrains’ operations.
• Handle a wide range of employee matters, including complex and sensitive cases in Germany, and assist with such matters in other jurisdictions by developing sound legal strategies, reviewing documentation, and helping the business confidently stand behind its decisions.
• Assess and respond to complex or nuanced internal communications and reports, supporting the development of thoughtful and well-balanced strategies aligned with legal and organizational considerations.
• Draft, review, and continuously improve employment agreements, contractor agreements, and HR-related templates and policies tailored to Germany and other applicable jurisdictions.
• Conduct in-depth, group-wide analyses on employment and labor law topics, and lead or contribute to cross-functional projects, including the harmonization of employment policies and documentation across countries.
• Act as a senior advisor to HR teams on employment practices and workplace policies, including remote work, employee benefits, disciplinary procedures, and work safety matters, particularly for the German entities of the JetBrains group.
• Take a lead role in providing legal support in relation to employee representation structures with a focus on Germany. Advise on their operations and management interactions in compliance with local legislation and best practices.
• Stay abreast of legislative changes in German labor law and provide legal training and knowledge-sharing sessions to internal stakeholders, particularly HR and management.
• Represent JetBrains in communications with German regulatory and government bodies on employment-related matters.
• Collaborate with legal colleagues across the global team on projects and issues that intersect with employment and labor law.

Requirements:

• Fluency in German and English, both written and spoken.
• A law degree with excellent academic credentials. German bar admission is an advantage.
• Senior-level post-qualification experience in employment and labor law, typically gained through 6+ years of relevant legal practice with demonstrated hands-on experience in employment dispute resolution. Experience in both in-house and reputable international law firm environments is an advantage.
• In-depth knowledge of German employment law, with practical experience advising on complex workplace matters, procedures, and collaboration with employee representation structures.
• The ability to provide clear, solutions-oriented guidance in complex or evolving legal contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to assess sensitive employee-related matters, distill key issues, and develop clear, effective legal and communication approaches.
• Excellent skills in legal drafting, negotiation, dispute resolution, and managing emotionally sensitive situations involving employees.
• A proactive, collaborative, pragmatic, and adaptable solutions-oriented approach, with strong interpersonal skills and business awareness.
• The ability to work independently in a fast-paced, international environment with multiple stakeholders and shifting priorities.
• Willingness to provide support for employment law matters in other countries with the help of external counsel and internal legal colleagues.

Why join JetBrains? 

• Strong base salary. We offer competitive pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Flexible work location. Enjoy the freedom to work from home or from the office.
• Remote work. Spend up to 30 days per year working remotely from abroad.
• Extra time off. More days to relax, recharge, and do the things you love.
• Medical insurance allowance. Enjoy peace of mind for you and your family
• Learning and development opportunities. Access to conferences, courses, and language classes.
• Relocation support. We help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. (keep if relevant for the role)
• Language classes. Pick up the local language or sharpen your English skills.
• Fuel your day. Enjoy a hot meal or receive a lunch allowance on workdays.
• Mental health support. To help you feel your best, we provide easy access to professional mental health services.
• Sports benefit. Enjoy an on-site gym or sports club stipend.
• Internal events. Join company-wide celebrations and team gatherings.

*Some benefits may vary depending on location.

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