Legal Counsel

Springer Nature • New York, NY

12d • $150,000 - $175,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Counsel functions as part of an integrated global team with the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of Springer Nature both regionally and globally. Reporting to the Head of Legal (North America), this role supports development of best-in-class internal legal support for the Americas, as part of a proactive and agile licensing and commercial team. The Legal Counsel also plays a key role in collaborating with colleagues in the global legal organization to support Springer Nature businesses and functions through a business partner approach. This role also has the potential to expand over time to include publishing work with our editorial team and support for other segments of the business.
The location strategy supports team structure and aligns business needs.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admitted Attorney and member in good standing of the New York State Bar
• Minimum 4+ years legal experience at a law firm or in-house with general corporate, commercial, intellectual property and technology matters
• Experience drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and advising on a broad range of commercial agreements
• Experience supporting litigation, disputes, investigations, subpoenas, regulatory inquiries, and/or working with external counsel on litigation matters
• Familiarity with legal issues relating to artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, data usage, intellectual property, and regulatory developments
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives
• Ability to provide practical, clear, accurate, and consistent legal advice to a diverse range of stakeholders
• Proven ability to influence decision-making, build alignment, and establish trusted business partnerships across functions
• Strong legal research, analytical, drafting, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with an open communication style and confidence engaging with stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Efficient, organized, and detail-oriented, with a commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Self-motivated team player with a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach
• High level of integrity, sound judgment, and professional ethics

Nice To Haves

• Publishing and media law, including copyright, defamation, rights of privacy and publicity, internet and social media an advantage but not required
• Language proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese is a plus but not required
• State and Federal contracting experience a plus but not required

Responsibilities

• Support Head of Legal (North America) with all US related matters including building a strong and well recognized US legal team.
• Partner with the Legal Director for Sales to draft, negotiate, and manage complex licensing agreements with academic, corporate, and government customers across North and South America, building trusted relationships with stakeholders while balancing commercial objectives, legal risk, and customer needs.
• Support global sales and licensing activities by providing commercially focused legal guidance, exercising sound judgment, managing ambiguity, and delivering practical solutions in a fast-paced and evolving business environment.
• Review, draft, negotiate, and advise on a broad range of commercial agreements, including contracts relating to the acquisition, licensing, protection, and exploitation of intellectual property rights, applying strong negotiation skills, commercial awareness, and attention to detail.
• Partner with Legal Director AI, Data & Technology to work in AI related questions and contracts.
• Serve as a trusted legal advisor and business partner by providing clear, accessible, and commercially sensitive advice across a broad range of legal matters, including commercial contracts, intellectual property, data privacy, artificial intelligence, licensing, compliance, and regulatory issues.
• Influence decision-making by providing strategic legal guidance and risk assessments to senior stakeholders, including the VP of Sales, Americas, translating complex legal considerations into practical business recommendations.
• Support litigation, subpoenas, internal investigations, and dispute resolution matters, including civil, commercial, regulatory, and employment-related claims, demonstrating strong case management skills, resilience, and sound legal judgment when handling sensitive and high-risk matters.
• Coordinate discovery activities, including document preservation, collection, review, and production, ensuring compliance with legal obligations while effectively managing competing priorities and stakeholder expectations.
• Review and analyze pleadings, motions, subpoenas, regulatory inquiries, and other litigation-related documents to identify legal risks, assess potential business impacts, and support effective litigation and resolution strategies.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external counsel to develop and implement litigation and dispute resolution strategies that balance legal exposure, operational considerations, reputational risk, and business objectives.
• Monitor litigation and investigation matters, managing deadlines, budgets, external counsel performance, and reporting requirements while providing concise and actionable updates to senior leadership.
• Support legal matters involving emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital products, data use, and evolving regulatory frameworks, enabling the business to innovate while managing legal and compliance risks.
• Contribute to the continuous development of legal best practices, knowledge-sharing initiatives, templates, and processes that enhance the effectiveness, consistency, and strategic value of legal support across the organization.
• Deliver training and guidance to commercial and sales teams throughout the Americas on contract negotiation, licensing, compliance, legal risk management, and related topics, communicating complex concepts in a practical and engaging manner.
• Build collaborative partnerships across legal, commercial, publishing, technology, and corporate functions, fostering trust, managing competing stakeholder interests, and helping drive successful business outcomes.
• Undertake additional responsibilities and special projects as reasonably required to support departmental objectives and evolving business needs.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401(k) with company match and contribution
• Hybrid office working policy, Summer Hours, and paid time off
• Flexible Spending and Commuter programs
• Multiple Life insurance options
• Disability coverage
• Tuition Assistance
• Voluntary benefits: Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Legal Assistance Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Family friendly benefits and a variety of employee discounts
• An array of Employee Social Networks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level