Employment Counsel – Labor & Employment Lawyer

About the role

Thomson Reuters is seeking a motivated Employment Counsel to join its Employment and Labor Group within the Litigation Team of the General Counsel’s Office. Based in Barcelona, the role provides strategic, practical labor and employment advice and litigation support across Continental Europe, the UK, the Middle East and Africa.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clear, business‑oriented guidance to HR and managers on day‑to‑day employee and labor relations issues.
• Advise on union, works council negotiations and dispute resolution.
• Partner with HR and internal teams on complex investigations, regulatory inquiries and compliance matters.
• Develop and execute multi‑jurisdictional litigation and pre‑litigation strategies, including budgeting and oversight of outside counsel.
• Select, manage and monitor global outside counsel spend.
• Conduct legal reviews of reorganisations, reductions in force and employee terminations.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with substantial experience in employment and labor law across multiple jurisdictions (Europe, UK, Middle East, Africa).
• Commercially minded with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives.
• Proven track record of advising HR, employee relations and senior business leaders.
• Experience managing external counsel and overseeing litigation budgets.
• Strong investigative and dispute‑resolution skills.

Required skills