Counsel, Law​/Legal

Counsel

The Counsel provides legal support for corporate focused operations and business processes across the University’s shared services. This role focuses on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and agreements, advising employment law and employee relations matters, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and internal policies. The position requires a strong ability to manage a high volume and wide range of corporate legal documentation while maintaining quality, accuracy, and risk mitigation.

This position works under the direction of the Associate General Counsel and collaborates closely with other members of the legal team.

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts, including vendor agreements, consulting agreements, service agreements, and other corporate documents.
• Manage the execution process for corporate legal documents from initial request through final signature and implementation.
• Support department with external vendors, contractors, and service providers during negotiations, under the guidance of senior legal counsel.
• Assist in providing legal guidance on employment law and employee relations matters in coordination with Human Resources and shared services leadership.
• Contribute to governance and compliance efforts for corporate operations by assisting with policy review and risk assessments.
• Conduct legal research and prepare concise, practical recommendations for internal stakeholders.
• Partner with functional shared services teams to streamline legal workflows and ensure timely completion of matters.
• Maintain organized files, templates, and tracking systems for reporting and audit purposes.
• Monitor changes in employment law and corporate regulations and advise stakeholders accordingly.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of corporate law and corporate legal principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset and proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic legal environment.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the New York State Bar (or eligibility to become admitted).
• 2‑3 years of relevant legal experience ideally in corporate, commercial, or employment law.
• Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating a variety of corporate legal documents.

• This position operates in a collaborative, fast‑paced office environment.
• While standard work hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, flexibility is expected to accommodate supporting shared service business needs, global legal matters, and time‑sensitive matters.
• Occasional travel and extended hours may be required to support legal or operational initiatives.

The anticipated salary range for the Counsel is $112,000 to $127,000 per year. The final salary offered may vary and will be determined based on factors such as job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, location, and education of the successful candidate. This information is provided per NYS local law.

USS is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is company policy to fill positions with qualified candidates regardless of race, color, sex (including sexual orientation and gender presentation), age, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States (including veteran status) or status as a victim of domestic violence, except where there is a bona fide occupational qualification.

This policy protects applicants and employees from discrimination in the hiring process.