Associate or Senior Counsel

The State University of New York • Albany, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The State University of New York System Administration in Albany, New York, is hiring an Associate or Senior Counsel for its Office of General Counsel (OGC). The OGC provides legal services to the SUNY Board of Trustees, Chancellor, senior officers, System Administration, and the presidents and administrators of SUNY campuses. The office includes more than 70 attorneys, paralegals, and support staff and handles a broad range of higher education legal matters.

The position will handle legal matters for SUNY and its State-operated campuses, including contract negotiation and review, statutory and regulatory interpretation, drafting legal guidance, responding to legal inquiries, and work on University-wide matters. The attorney will advise and serve as the primary OGC relationship manager for assigned State-operated campuses, provide timely legal services and advice, advocate for clients, prepare and review campus documents and policies, and keep SUNY clients informed about significant developments in lawsuits, claims, and legal matters affecting operations.

The position is part of the General Affairs & Intellectual Property Practice Group and will collaborate with OGC practice groups that support SUNY System Administration and campus leadership. The role is based in Albany, with limited telecommuting potentially available and some travel depending on client needs. Employment is contingent on a pre-employment background check and verification of degrees and credentials. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

• J.D. degree from an accredited ABA law school.
• Admission to the New York State Bar in good standing, or eligibility for admission within six months.
• Strong academic background.
• At least 5 years of legal practice or relevant experience before beginning the position.

Nice To Haves

• Significant experience advising clients on complex legal issues, especially with governmental entities.
• Legal experience in an academic setting or government law office.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple and changing priorities and objectives.
• Superior written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and legal research skills.
• A valid driver's license is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Handle a range of legal matters on behalf of SUNY and its State-operated campuses.
• Negotiate and review contracts.
• Interpret statutes and regulations and draft legal guidance.
• Respond to legal inquiries from SUNY System and campus clients and work on University-wide matters.
• Provide legal advice and serve as the OGC primary relationship manager for assigned State-operated campuses.
• Provide timely legal services, advice, advocacy, and preparation and review of campus documents and policies.
• Keep SUNY clients informed about the status and significant developments in lawsuits, claims, and legal developments affecting SUNY and campus operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• New York State health insurance.
• Free dental and vision coverage.
• Competitive retirement options, including a fully funded pension plan or a defined contribution plan, plus supplemental retirement plans.
• Tuition assistance.
• Parental leave at full pay.
• Vacation, sick, and holiday time, including 13 paid holidays per year and 21 days of vacation and 21 days of sick time accrued each year.
• Additional paid leave policy options for childbirth, adoption, elder care, and other family care situations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree