Job Description

What if you were given the opportunity and responsibility to make a difference? At International Paper, you control your destiny. We offer challenging assignments and total rewards in countries around the world. When we say infinite possibilities, we mean it. Apply now and join a community that improves people’s lives, the planet and our company’s performance by transforming renewable resources into products people depend on every day.

Position Title:

Labor & Employment Paralegal

Pay Rate:

$80,000 - $101,000

Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.

Physical Location:

Memphis, TN

Purpose :

Paralegal, Labor & Employment, provides essential support to assigned attorneys and Human Resources clients which includes managing work flow from HR to the assigned attorney, facilitating effective communication between Human Resources, or other internal clients, and the assigned attorney, gathers and reviews documents necessary to make employment decisions, conducts limited legal research and writing on employment matters and legal updates. 

  The Job You Will Perform:

• Review Background Check results and advise on recission of employment offers
• Responding to questions from Human Resources on drug and alcohol testing
• Review claims and claim status (including medical records) for employees requesting FMLA/State Medical leave; second opinions/; extenuating circumstances for leave, Short Term Disability/Sickness & Accident; Review requests for termination (includes data gathering/ data analysis and ultimate recommendation for attorney final review)
• Respond to routine questions on attendance policy violations
• Review Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) and recommend changes prior to attorney review
• Review/revise termination letters
• Review/summarize new state laws, draft updates for Human Resources
• Prepare and present training on subjects including background checks, I-9 process, FMLA; PIPs, maintaining personnel records, etc.
• Review requests for personnel files – request data and provide to litigation paralegal or outside counsel for L&E or Workers’ Compensation outside counsel
• Respond to immigration-related questions including visas, employee promotions/relocations, visa renewals, and USCIS audit preparation
• Manage HR preparation process for SMETA, SEDEX, FSC, assist HR, as needed, throughout audits
• Review severance documents for attorney approval
• Assist HR with RIF document collection and preparation
• Conduct preliminary research on policies, processes, laws, and other HR inquiries; summarize findings for attorney review
• Prepare training courses in LMS and maintain content on Legal/HR SharePoint site for Human Resources

The Skills You Will Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or related field required
• Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in labor & employment area with outside firm or corporate legal department experience
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Customer Focused
• Technical skills (Microsoft Office 365, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
• Demonstrated problem solving skills
• Self-motivated/action oriented
• Must be able to work independently

Knowledge & Skills:

• Understanding of employment law, including Title VII, FMLA, ADA, and state leave laws.
• Proficiency in reviewing and/or drafting legal documents (i.e., termination letters, separation agreements, etc.)
• Ability to conduct limited legal research and summarize findings clearly and concisely under supervision of L&E attorney
• Skilled in preparing and delivering training content for HR teams.

Technical Proficiency:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint).
• Experience with LMS platforms, preferred
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and document tracking tools.

Interpersonal & Organizational Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and organization
• Skilled at multitasking in fast-paced settings
• Effective collaborator with HR. Legal and other internal department teams

The Company You Will Join:

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com.

The Culture You Will Experience:

International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

The Impact You Will Make:

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 120 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re  Proud to be IP .

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets. 

International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact reasonable.accommodations@ipaper.com or (877) 973-3919.
Memphis TN 38197

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