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 work closely with our in-house counsel in providing day-to-day consultation on legal compliance issues together with involvement in small- and large-scale corporate compliance/best practices initiatives. 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.
This position has a hybrid work schedule to work 1-2 days onsite 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 support 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 in pre-law, political science, criminal justice, paralegal studies, human resources, business or related discipline required and at least 3 years of related experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Juris doctorate preferred.
• Experience working in a law office, corporate legal, compliance, 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:
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
- Sick Leave (10 days per year)
- Holiday Leave (7 Government Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays)
- Professional Development
- Health Advocate
- Employee Assistance Program
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
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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