Investigations Counsel - USDS

Responsibilities

About TikTok U.S. Data Security
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. U.S. Data Security ("USDS") is a subsidiary of TikTok in the U.S. This new, security-first division was created to bring heightened focus and governance to our data protection policies and content assurance protocols to keep U.S. users safe. Our focus is on providing oversight and protection of the TikTok platform and U.S. user data, so millions of Americans can continue turning to TikTok to learn something new, earn a living, express themselves creatively, or be entertained. The teams within USDS that deliver on this commitment daily span across Trust & Safety, Security & Privacy, Engineering, User & Product Ops, Corporate Functions and more.

Why Join Us
Creation is the core of TikTok's purpose. Our platform is built to help imaginations thrive. This is doubly true of the teams that make TikTok possible.
Together, we inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we all believe in and aim towards achieving every day.
To us, every challenge, no matter how difficult, is an opportunity; to learn, to innovate, and to grow as one team. Status quo? Never. Courage? Always.
At TikTok, we create together and grow together. That's how we drive impact - for ourselves, our company, and the communities we serve.
Join us.

Team Intro
The TikTok USDS Legal & Compliance team manages and oversees legal, privacy, and regulatory matters pertaining to TikTok USDS's operations. We collaborate cross-functionally and globally to address some of the most complex and intriguing issues in privacy and data security.
We are looking for an all-around player, capable of handling a diverse range of responsibilities including process optimization and compliance. This role requires exceptional analytical skills, client-focused experience, and a deep understanding of the legal needs within a technology-driven environment. The ideal candidate plays a pivotal role in supporting the Legal department - ensuring compliance with legal and company standards, supporting the employment legal function, and fostering effective communication across the organization. You will also be responsible for facilitating decision-making processes and driving efficiency and effectiveness in the Legal department's functions; turning complex Legal department challenges into action and outcomes in a fast moving environment.

In order to enhance collaboration and cross-functional partnerships, among other things, at this time, our organization follows a hybrid work schedule that requires employees to work in the office 3 days a week, or as directed by their manager/department. We regularly review our hybrid work model, and the specific requirements may change at any time.

Responsibilities:
- Conduct investigations: Independently conduct thorough and objective investigations into potential legal and ethical violations within the company, working across borders and jurisdictions as necessary.
- Conduct interviews and draft investigation work plans and reports.
- Work with cross-functional teams such as forensics in workplace investigations.
- Draft and update investigations templates and policies.
- Provide training to investigators.
- Employment Legal: Provide advice and counsel on all aspects of employment law for the company's operations.
- Advise HR on day-to-day employee lifecycle issues, such as hiring, leaves/accommodations, compensation and benefits, terminations, reorganizations, and other organizational matters.
- Draft and update employment-related agreements, templates, and documentation, including employment policies, employment agreements, and process documents.
- Guide ER investigative teams in workplace investigations.
- Strategically manage pre-litigation employment disputes.
- Risk Assessment: Identify, analyze, and evaluate potential legal and compliance risks, providing recommendations to leadership to mitigate risks and improve internal controls.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams including legal, human resources and other internal/external stakeholders, to gather information, coordinate efforts, and ensure consistent and effective investigations.
- Documentation: Prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports documenting investigations, findings, and recommendations for corrective actions, as well as any potential legal implications.
- Regulatory Compliance: Stay up-to-date with relevant laws, regulations, and technology industry trends to ensure the company's adherence to changing legal requirements.
- Legal Advice: Provide legal guidance and counsel to the Legal & Compliance team, management, and other stakeholders on various legal matters related to investigations, compliance, and risk management.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and a license to practice law.
- A minimum of 3 years of legal experience, with a focus on investigations, compliance, or regulatory matters, preferably in the technology industry.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct detailed and thorough investigations, including evidence collection, analysis, and interviews, while maintaining objectivity and ensuring confidentiality.
- Subject matter expertise and substantial experience in private practice or a corporate legal department with a highly-regarded firm or organization practicing employment law counseling and/or employment litigation.
- Previous experience of advising on cross-border employment law matters with a multi-state US focus. Bonus points for experience advising on employment legal matters for UK and Australia.
- Ability to communicate complex issues correctly and clearly to internal stakeholders.
- High moral and ethical standards, as well as commitment to conducting investigations with professionalism and impartiality.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, meet demanding deadlines in a fast-paced environment, and prioritize workflow with minimal supervision.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify legal risks, evaluate complex situations, and provide effective solutions.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and cultures, language skills are a plus.
- Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and completeness in the investigation process and documentation.

D&I Statement
TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.

Accommodation Statement
TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at https://shorturl.at/ktJP6

Data Security Statement
This role requires the ability to work with and support systems designed to protect sensitive data and information. As such, this role will be subject to strict national security-related screening.