Senior Paralegal, Labor & Employment

About the Team

The Legal & Corporate Affairs team is responsible for safeguarding the company’s reputation, ensuring we are operating with integrity and in line with our strategic initiatives. The Legal team provides high-quality legal services, ensures legal compliance and mitigates risks. The Corporate Communications team works to execute strategic and effective communication efforts that drive brand awareness, preference, and reputation with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Corporate Social Responsibility & Belonging teams support the company’s environmental and social commitments with a strong focus on pets, people and the planet. The collective team supports the overall success and positive reputation of the company.

About the Location

Collaborative & Flexible Work Environment: We believe in fostering growth, teamwork, and creativity in a dynamic workplace. This role is based at PetSmart’s Phoenix Home Office, where associates currently enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration while having the flexibility to work remotely one day per week (a “flex workday” with leader approval), and are expected to spend four days in the office. At PetSmart, you’ll be part of an engaging and supportive environment designed to help you and our teams thrive.

About the Job

PetSmart is seeking a Senior Labor & Employment Paralegal to join our Legal Department at our corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. This role will report directly to a Senior Counsel – Labor & Employment and support the broader Labor & Employment legal team. The Senior Paralegal will support and strategically manage all phases of employment litigation and agency charges — from intake and discovery through mediation, motion practice, and trial preparation. This position plays a key role in ensuring that labor and employment support reflects PetSmart’s brand, mission, vision, and values.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated self-starter with a strong background in labor and employment law and litigation, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage fact-finding and discovery in employment litigation, including:
  • Coordinating and collaborating with internal teams to collect relevant information
  • Drafting litigation holds and coordinating with outside counsel
  • Conducting factual research and preparing summaries
• Prepare draft responses to administrative complaints
• Collaborate with outside counsel to develop and execute litigation strategies that balance risk, cost, and outcomes
• Maintain case files and identify and communicate litigation trends to internal stakeholders to mitigate future risk
• Train outside counsel on PetSmart’s policies, procedures, and expectations
• Represent the Labor & Employment team in cross-functional projects
• Oversee invoice processing and vendor payments
• Stay current on legal developments through professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 5+ years of experience in a corporate legal department or large law firm, with a focus on litigation
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across all levels of the organization
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

About the Culture

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share. These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!
• On-site Dog Park
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options
• On-site coffee bar
• “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities
• Learn more about #Life A tPetSmart here:
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart:
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here:
• If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area:

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.