Joanetta Fields van Rijn

About Joanetta Fields van Rijn

Throughout my career as a legal and compliance leader, I\'ve focused on partnering with executive teams to navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges, particularly in labor and employment. Whether advising multinational corporations or government services, my approach centers on delivering clear, forward-thinking counsel that minimizes critical risks, promotes sound corporate governance, and drives strategic business objectives. My expertise spans U.S. and global employment laws, including those across EMEA and APAC, enabling me to craft smart, practical legal solutions. I excel at collaborating closely with HR and business leaders to implement best practices, adeptly manage litigation and arbitration, develop robust compliance programs, and provide guidance on M&A activities. Bringing a distinct perspective as a former senior HR leader in multinational operations, I approach workforce challenges with a unique understanding of both legal precision and human dynamics. I\'m known for a proactive growth mindset, continually adapting to new legal landscapes and equipping leaders to make confident decisions in dynamic environments. My academic background, including a JD and MBA, underpins my ability to bridge legal acumen with keen business insight. Beyond my core work, I am SHRM-SCP certified. My civic commitments include actively serving on the IU Maurer School of Law Alumni Board, providing pro bono legal services through Houston Volunteer Lawyers and Lone Star Legal Aid, and sharing insights as a trainer and speaker at industry events. Areas of Focus: Labor and Employment, International Employment Law, Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion, Government Compliance, Litigation, Employment Litigation, Traditional Labor Law, Affirmative Action and OFCCP Compliance, Immigration, Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), Wage and Hour Litigation, Workplace Investigations, Data Privacy.

Experience

1. Associate General Counsel, Labor & Employment

   Valiant Integrated Services

   Jan 2023 — Present · Herndon, VA, US

   At the helm of labor and employment legal matters for a global government services contractor, I navigate the complex landscape of employment law across 40+ countries, supporting a workforce of over employees. As a strategic legal advisor, I partner with HR and business leaders to address workplace challenges, from compliance audits and investigations to performance management, restructuring, and wage and hour concerns. I draft and negotiate critical employment agreements, ensuring alignment with both corporate objectives and legal requirements. Leading a team responsible for employee relations, labor relations, and workers\' compensation, I manage interactions with 37 unions and international personnel, mitigating risks while fostering a fair and compliant workplace.Key Contributions during this tenure include:• Designed and implemented best practices to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks in employee benefits, global mobility, and terminations.• Managed employment-related litigation, including a California class action, and represented the company in administrative proceedings before the EEOC, DOL, and OSHA.• Steered revamp of the employment compliance program, working with HR to develop policies, procedures, and training programs aligned with federal and state laws such as FLSA, ERISA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, and ADEA.• Served as a strategic advisor to the CEO, CHRO, and executive teams, providing legal guidance on employee relations, cross-border employment, workplace safety, privacy, and global mobility issues.• Collaborated with HR and operations leaders to develop compliance programs, manage collective bargaining agreements, and address labor-related disputes.

Education

• Indiana University Maurer School of Law

  Juris Doctor Candidate

  2016 — 2019

• University of Phoenix

  MBA, Business Administration

• University of Phoenix

  BS, Business Management