Overview
LEGAL ASSISTANT II Jobs in Tampa, FL at The State of Florida
Company Overview
Who is Costa Farms? We’re one of the world’s largest horticultural growers—but without an ego to match our acreage. Our headquarters are in Miami, Florida, where we were founded in 1961. Costa Farms started on just 30 acres, and over the last 60 years, we’ve grown to more than 5,000 acres around the world. We have farms in North and South Carolina, Central and South Florida, and the Dominican Republic, plus an office in China. Costa Farms now employs nearly 6,000 people: engineers, marketers, accountants/analysts, human resources professionals, and of course, growers and plant scientists!
Here at Costa Farms, we live by the values of H3: being Humble, staying Hungry, and always Hustling. The team rallies to the mission of being a lean, green, growing machine dedicated to enriching the world by bringing plants into everyone’s life.
True to that mission, we grow more than 1,500 plant varieties. Driven by the spirit of innovation, the team is always testing new plants and developing new solutions to make it easier for retailers and plant parents to enjoy plants. We’re also continuously testing different ways of growing our plants to increase quality and improve their ecological footprint as one aspect of our many sustainability efforts.
We cultivate plants, as well as a winning culture. Join the team, and you’ll find opportunities to learn and grow. You’ll collaborate with other driven, determined people who together keep Costa Farms an industry leader. You’ll support and be supported by a team that cares about each other, our customers, our consumers, and our community.
You’ll also find right away that Costa Farms is committed to providing a diverse environment. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, military status, marital status or veteran status, or any other group status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Description
The Sr. Legal Counsel will provide comprehensive legal guidance and strategic counsel on all aspects of litigation, labor and employment law, immigration, and compliance. TheSr. Legal Counsel will collaborate closely with HR and senior leadership to mitigate risks and safeguard the organization’s interests. This role also involves advocating for the Company’s interests by engaging with federal, state, and local government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Litigation Management
Oversee all disputes, including claims, administrative proceedings, and litigation involving auto liability, general liability, employment practices, workplace safety, and workers’ compensation, ensuring effective management and resolution.
Collaborate with outside counsel when necessary on dispute strategy, reviewing pleadings, discovery, and other case documents to ensure alignment with the Company’s objectives.
Conduct regular assessments of litigation trends to inform Company policies and training programs.
Labor & Employment
Provide ongoing legal advice to the People Team and management on employee relations, performance issues, terminations, and compliance with employment and labor laws, including all applicable federal, state, and local labor regulations, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and equal employment opportunity laws.
Lead internal investigations on allegations of employee misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, ensuring that investigations are thorough, timely, and documented.
Analyze current labor and employment policies and recommend improvements to align with regulatory changes, industry best practices, and internal business goals.
Collaborate with the People and other departments to document employment-related policies and procedures, ensuring they are standardized and compliant with applicable laws.
Advise on compliance with wage and hour laws, conducting audits to identify and rectify potential issues related to compensation practices.
Develop training programs for management on EEO compliance and employee rights, while addressing discrimination and retaliation claims proactively.
Identify potential labor law risks and develop strategies to mitigate those risks in collaboration with the People Team and senior management.
Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and guide the company on health and safety best practices.
Review and provide counsel on employment contracts, separation agreements, and other employment-related agreements.
Immigration
Provide legal counsel on employment verification processes and compliance with immigration laws, including the H-2A visa program and the oversight of Form I-9 and other verification methods and requirements.
Manage the preparation and submission of employment-based visa applications and other immigration filings, ensuring timely and compliant processing.
Compliance
Develop and implement a comprehensive compliance program to ensure adherence to local, state, and federal laws.
Conduct regular audits of Company practices and policies to identify compliance gaps and recommend corrective actions.
Liaise with regulatory agencies regarding audits and investigations, preparing necessary documentation and reports, including the United States Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Labor, and their state and local counterparts.
Government Affairs
Establish and maintain relationships with government entities, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Advocate for legislative and policy changes that benefit the Company and industry.
Testify before government committees, attending conferences, and representing the organization at various meetings and events.
Track industry trends, regulatory changes, and providing updates and suggestions to senior management.
Articulate the Company’s stance on key policy issues.
Additional Responsibilities
Availability for flexible schedule changes based on business needs (including but not limited to seasonal demand and additional hours outside of the regular work schedule, such as weekends, nights, and holidays).
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather information or help as required.
Perform additional duties as required.
Qualification
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Active member in good standing of the state bar
Minimum 5-8 years of experience in labor and employment law, preferably in a corporate legal department or law firm.
Extensive knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, including wage and hour, EEO, OSHA, and immigration law.
Strong understanding of federal and state labor laws, including FLSA, NLRA, OSHA, and EEO regulations. · Experience with litigation and labor-related dispute resolution, including arbitration and mediation.
Ability to stay up to date on changes in labor laws and quickly adapt policies, procedures, and strategies accordingly.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Skills
Experience in a corporate legal department or similar environment.
Familiarity with labor & employment laws and compliance issues in the agricultural, manufacturing, or related sectors.
Bilingual (Spanish preferred, but not required).
Active membership with the state bar in Florida.
Labor law certifications or specialization (a plus).
Physicals Demands
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body Primarily involves sitting, with occasional requirements to stand, walk, or lift objects to a certain weight.
Work Environment
The role involves utilizing standard office equipment, such as computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, telephones, and other essential digital tools required for daily tasks.
Hybrid: While primarily office-based, the role may offer options for hybrid schedules, depending on the role requirements, hybrid employees are expected to have a dedicated and quiet workspace in their home, equipped with reliable high-speed internet, a suitable computer, and any necessary office supplies and must.
Skills
Exceptional legal research, writing, and communication skills.
Deep knowledge of labor and employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining agreements, anti-discrimination laws, and workplace safety regulations.
Strong ability to assess complex legal situations, identify risks, and develop strategic solutions that align with business objectives.
High level of precision in reviewing and drafting contracts, policies, and legal documents to ensure they meet regulatory standards and company needs.
Capable of translating legal terminology into actionable insights for HR and management teams.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey legal concepts to non-legal audiences.
Effective time management skills to complete tasks within project deadlines and maintain productivity.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
Competencies
Collaborates
Communicates Effectively
Problem Solving
Timely Decision Making
Decision Quality
All applicants must be work-authorized.
Costa Farms will not sponsor any visa for this position.
After applying, follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on what’s happening around Costa Farms and to start becoming part of our family. Come Grow with Us™!
Costa Farms offers competitive wages and benefits, including:
401(k) Plan
Company 401(k) Matching Contributions
Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, and Dependent Care
Telemedicine/ Mental Health Service
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Pet Insurance
Supplemental Insurance (Aflac)
Growth Opportunities
Challenging and exciting work environment
Costa Farms Scholarship
Employee discounts on plants
Costa Farms headquarters also has:
On-site gym with showers
On-site cafeteria, quiet room, and indoor games
Love Where You Work activities throughout the year
This organization participates in E-Verify
E-Verify Notice of Participation / E-Verify Aviso de Participación (English/Español)
E-Verify Right to Work Poster / E-Verify Cartel Derecho a Trabajar (English/Español)
Title: LEGAL ASSISTANT II
Company: The State of Florida
Location: Tampa, FL
