About Us:
Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortune 100, 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats, prevent data loss, and build resilience across their people and AI workflows. Our mission is simple: safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.
How We Work:
At Proofpoint you’ll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values:
Bold in how we dream and innovate
Responsive to feedback, challenges and opportunities
Accountable for results and best in class outcomes
Visionary in future focused problem-solving
Exceptional in execution and impact
The Role
The Employment Law Counsel/EMEA will join the global Employment Law/HR Compliance legal team, reporting directly to the Senior Director, Employment Law and HR Compliance (who is US based). You will have appetite for innovation as part of a small team in a fast-growing, multi-cultural environment, as well as willingness to learn and expand knowledge in the areas of privacy, corporate compliance and trade secret protection.
The successful candidate will be comfortable leading and interacting with internal and external business people, and making agile decisions that comply with company standards, policy and strategy as well as evolve Proofpoint practices.
Due to the nature of the role, there will be a requirement to attend our Cork or Reading offices 1-2 times per week.
Your Day to Day
1. Partnering with the HR organisation in EMEA, providing guidance and counsel on employment law and compliance related queries
2. Provide legal analyses of applicable laws, regulations and agency guidance that impact employees and HR compliance, and assist in the design and implementation of appropriate policies, processes and practices
3. Collaborate with the broader legal team in enhancing its capabilities and services efficacy through technology and other legal operations tools and best practices
4. Assist in development and implementation of various legal templates, forms, communications, and operational systems to improve the delivery and scalability of legal resources to a worldwide, distributed client base by working collaboratively with other legal team members and the sales organization
5. Proactively communicate issues back to leadership and drive good business, legal and operational processes and practices throughout the organisation; drafting and implementing related policies, and seeking ways automate key legal processes
6. Monitor legislation, regulations, case law, and government enforcement activities relating to the above substantive legal areas, and provide proactive, strategic advice to the Sr. Director, Employment Law and HR Compliance and relevant stakeholders
7. Support audits, process reviews, and new policy creation and implementation related to employment law, HR and corporate compliance.
8. Support management of outside counsel retained to handle administrative charges or lawsuits filed against the Company
9. Facilitate process improvements, create efficiencies, and provide trainings as necessary
10. Travel throughout EMEA as needed
11. Partner with Sr. Director, Employment Law and HR Compliance to prepare and deliver live and virtual trainings in EMEA on key topics of employment law and compliance
12. Flexibility and willing to work extended hours when necessary to connect with colleagues across time zones, especially with the United States/Pacific Time Zone.
What you bring to the team:
13. Fully Qualified lawyer in UK, Ireland, other EU country (preference for dual qualification in UK and Ireland)
14. Experience in practice, and also ideally in-house experience in the High-Tech industry
15. Ideally you will have experience of partnering with HR in a fast-paced environment that requires client- interaction, sound judgment, excellent counselling skills and ability to prioritise
16. Experience handling both employment counselling as well as litigation and other dispute resolution forums
17. Experience dealing with unions, works councils and other employee representative bodies (especially France, Germany)
18. Excellent negotiation skills and diplomacy, including ability to build consensus, “soft” skills to encourage, motivate and influence at all levels of the organization and those of our customers and partners
19. Enjoy working with internal clients, demonstrating accountability, adaptability and resilience
20. Strong drafting skills with keen attention to detail and the ability to improve our forms and work using customer or partner paper
21. Effective communication and presence in person, in groups, over video and teleconference, email and in more formal documentation
22. Highest degree of personal and professional integrity and ethics
23. Fluent English is essential; plus fluency in other EU languages would be an advantage
#LI-Hybrid
Why Proofpoint?
At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love working with us:
24. Competitive compensation
25. Comprehensive benefits
26. Career success on your terms
27. Flexible work environment
28. Annual wellness and community outreach days
29. Always on recognition for your contributions
30. Global collaboration and networking opportunities
Our Culture:
Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose and drive success-every day, for everyone.
We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to <.
How to Apply
Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- we can’t wait to hear from you!