Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.
Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.
Job Summary:
Westat is seeking a Legal Compliance Specialist to join its legal team. In particular, this position supports and works closely with our in-house counsel in providing day-to-day consultation on legal compliance issues, including but not limited to employment, benefits, contracts, intellectual property, privacy, research integrity, risk management and litigation. The position has the potential for increasing autonomy and involvement in company-wide efforts but will include some more routine administrative responsibilities associated with a small corporate legal department. Experienced paralegals, law clerks, compliance professionals, or new attorneys with an interest in transitioning to an “in-house” career path are encouraged to apply.
This position offers a hybrid remote work arrangement with an in-office requirement of 1-2 days at our office in Rockville, Maryland.
Job Responsibilities:
• Research and analyze legal and compliance issues primarily through on-line reference resources.
• Assist in-house counsel in providing guidance to the project and support functions by applying knowledge of various legal and compliance standards to common issues within a government contractor/project research organization with a multistate presence.
• Assist with drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts, correspondence, and other documents (typically from templates or samples).
• Work closely with practice areas and corporate support departments on various small- and large-scale projects, primarily related to on-going legal and compliance issues.
• Work with in-house counsel and corporate stakeholders in the development, review, and updating of corporate policies, guidelines, standard operating procedures, other documents, and trainings.
• Assist with responding to requests for information, subpoenas, and litigation/agency actions including document preparation and data gathering.
• Perform basic clerical duties including scheduling meetings, organizing, managing and maintaining legal department files, and preparing mailings, as necessary.
• Maintain database(s) for tracking legal claims.
• Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:
• A Bachelor’s degree required and at least 3 years of relevant experience working in employment law, government contracting, human resources, corporate legal compliance, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Juris doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school. If admitted to practice law, must be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) and in good standing.
• Experience working in a law office, corporate legal, or human resources department desirable.
• Working knowledge of Federal laws governing the employment relationship (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, Executive Order 11246, etc.)
• Basic knowledge and understanding of privacy laws (FCRA, HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, etc.), intellectual property and/or government procurement law a plus.
• Experience with maintaining database(s).
• Experience conducting internet and database (e.g., Westlaw) legal research desirable.
Other Required Qualifications:
• Ability to work in the Microsoft Office environment with proficiency in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams.
• Demonstrated communication skills.
• Collaboration with teams, managers and/or clients.
• Organization skills, including time management ability.
• Detail oriented.
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.
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