Employment Lawyer (AI)

Location: San Francisco, CA; hybrid work model with 3 days in the office per week. Relocation assistance is offered to new employees.

Salary: $252K–$280K base pay, plus equity and eligible performance-related bonuses.

Company

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company developing and safely deploying general-purpose artificial intelligence products.

What you will do

• Develop practical employment policies, playbooks, processes, and approaches that support sound and timely decisions as the company scales.
• Advise on US employment matters including recruiting and hiring, performance management, employee conduct, leaves of absence, accommodations, and separations.
• Own stakeholder relationships and counseling matters, providing practical advice and exercising independent judgment.
• Advise on international employment issues and support employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions, including diligence and workforce integration.
• Partner on strategic projects and emerging questions involving AI in employment and workplace practices.
• Manage employment disputes and administrative charges; draft and negotiate employment documents and agreements; create guidance, training, brown bags, and office hours.

Requirements

• 7+ years of relevant employment law experience in a law firm, in-house legal team, or combination, with increasing responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of US employment law, including California law, and sound judgment across workplace matters.
• Ability to analyze unfamiliar issues quickly and translate complex legal requirements into clear, practical recommendations addressing business needs and employee experience.
• Ability to identify gaps, develop practical solutions, implement them, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality work at a fast pace.
• Initiative, ownership, follow-through, discretion, empathy, clear communication, and sound judgment about when to act independently, collaborate, or escalate.
• Curiosity about technology, comfort with ambiguity, and motivation by OpenAI’s mission.
• JD and license or qualification to practice in California.

Nice to have

• Experience advising on international employment matters and employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions.
• Experience providing AI-specific employment law advice, including AI enablement, automation, and employee privacy in workplace or product contexts.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative legal team with opportunities to learn from senior colleagues, deepen expertise, and take on increasingly complex matters.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, paid parental and caregiver leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick or safe time, and mental health support.
• Annual learning and development stipend, daily office meals, meal delivery credits, commuter benefits, life and disability coverage, and eligible relocation support.
• Hybrid work model with coordinated office closures and a fast-growth environment focused on initiative, shared learning, and practical solutions.

Hiring process

• Additional benefit details are provided during the hiring process.
• Background checks are administered in accordance with applicable law.