Legal Counsel

United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals  (UNAC/UHCP) is expanding its legal department and seeks an attorney who is committed  to being a part of the labor movement and enforcing the rights of healthcare workers. This  is a dynamic position that requires the attorney to collaborate and creatively strategize with  UNAC/UHCP staff, affiliate officers, and governing boards on matters related to improving  the working conditions of 42,000 healthcare workers in California and Hawaii.  

Who We Are

UNAC/UHCP is made up of 100-plus employees and 40-plus affiliates and growing. We are  affiliated with NUHHCE, AFSCME, and the AFL-CIO. UNAC/UHCP is a collegial working  environment in which the open and frequent exchange of ideas is encouraged and  expected. The legal department comprises three attorneys and an administrative assistant.  The legal counsel is part of the UNAC/UHCP leadership team and is a non-union position.  This position works under the general direction of, and reports to, the Legal Director. 

Essential Duties Include:

• Managing a substantial and varied caseload that includes arbitrations, unfair labor  practice charges before the National Labor Relations Board, and grievance  mediations. 
• Identifying legal issues and advising on how to address them consistent with the  goals and objectives of UNAC/UHCP, its affiliates, and its members. 
• Investigating, researching, and analyzing facts and law to advise UNAC/UHCP  governing boards, staff, affiliate officers, and members on issues of labor,  employment, and other laws. 
• Negotiating collective bargaining agreements as first chair or as legal advisor. 
• Advising staff on collective bargaining issues, contract enforcement, organizing,  union finances, and union governance. 
• Prosecuting election petitions before the National Labor Relations Board. 
• Providing regular trainings to UNAC/UHCP staff, affiliate officers, and members on  labor laws. 
• Providing legal review of UNAC/UHCP publications and Know Your Rights  communications. 
• Guiding a member-led grievance committee on approving grievances for arbitration.
• Defending the Union against duty of fair representation charges and civil lawsuits.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. 
• Membership or ability to waive in as a Registered In-House Counsel in the State Bar  of California. 
• At least three years’ experience practicing union-side labor law. 
• Ability to write quickly and effectively to a wide variety of audiences including  arbitrators, the National Labor Relations Board, employers, UNAC/UHCP staff, and  rank-and-file members. 
• Ability to speak persuasively to arbitrators and UNAC/UHCP staff, leaders,  members, and unorganized health care professionals on legal topics. 
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues thoroughly and to convey the analysis with  precision in writing and verbally. 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex assignments on time. • Ability to work with a significant degree of autonomy. 
• Ability to obtain a valid California’s driver’s license before starting employment and  maintaining it throughout employment. 
• Ability to travel in California and out-of-state for work-related union actions,  hearings, events, meetings, and conferences. 

Position Location 

Based in California, but representation may occur anywhere UNAC/UHCP affiliates and  members are located. 

Compensation Package 

Salary $95.784/hr. – $119.143/hr. We provide a comprehensive package including medical  and dental benefits for employee and dependents, optical allowance for employee and  dependents, life Insurance for employee, defined benefit pension plan, 401K and flexible  spending accounts, auto allowance or employer-leased vehicle, education program which  includes tuition/course reimbursement and paid time off to take approved courses, vacation, sick leave, holidays, flexible personal time off, plus time off between Christmas  day and New Year’s day.  

How to apply 

Submit a cover letter, current resume, three references, and a 5–10-page writing sample  to Careers@unacuhcp.org. Please reference “Legal Counsel” in the subject line. 

UNAC/UHCP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive  consideration for employment without regard to age, including those who are 40 and over,  ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices),  disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS, marital status, medical condition,  genetic expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, and any other protected  class or activity under California law.