Associate Counsel Italy (Fixed-term)

About the role

Syneos Health, a fully integrated life sciences services organization, is hiring an Associate Counsel for Italy on a fixed-term basis, working in Milan in a hybrid setting. The role advises Human Resources and business leaders on employment law, litigation, commercial contracts and compliance across Italy and designated EMEA jurisdictions.

Key responsibilities

• Labor and employment: advise on employee relations, performance management, disciplinary actions, accommodations, leaves, separations, restructurings, outsourcing and business transformation; draft and update employment policies, handbooks and procedures; train HR and managers; support works councils and collective consultation.
• Litigation, claims and investigations: manage employment litigation, administrative proceedings, employee claims and labor disputes; coordinate external counsel; support internal investigations into misconduct, discrimination, harassment and retaliation; report on litigation trends and risks.
• Commercial contracts: draft, review and negotiate vendor, professional services, consulting, confidentiality and procurement agreements; support due diligence, integration and cross-functional legal projects.
• Compliance, governance and risk: support compliance initiatives, help develop legal policies and procedures, and work with regional and global legal colleagues.

Required profile

• Qualified attorney admitted to practice in Italy and in good standing with the Italian bar association.
• Significant experience in Italian labor and employment law, including employee relations, separations, restructurings, litigation risk and workplace investigations.
• Experience managing disputes, litigation, administrative proceedings, employee claims and pre-litigation matters.
• Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Fluent written and spoken Italian and English.

Preferred

• Experience supporting multiple European jurisdictions, especially neighbors of Italy.
• In-house legal experience in a multinational company.
• Experience in healthcare, life sciences, pharmaceutical, CRO or professional services.
• Familiarity with European labor relations, works councils, collective consultation, benefits, immigration and employment regulation.
• Additional European languages.

Occasional travel within Europe and internationally may be required. The company may assign other tasks and considers equivalent experience, skills or education.