Legal Counsel

Springer Nature•New York, NY

19d•$150,000 - $175,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and follow @SpringerNature 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.

Requirements

Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
Admitted Attorney & Member of New York State Bar
A minimum of 4+ years’ experience at law firm or in-house with general corporate/commercial/intellectual property matters
Strong commercial awareness
The ability to manage organizational change
The ability to foster alignment and influence decision making
Good legal research, analysis and drafting skills
The ability to provide clear, accurate and consistent advice
Efficient, rigorous, well-organized with good attention to detail and persistence in problem solving
Self-motivated team player
Excellent communication (verbal, written and presentation) skills with an open, direct communication style and willingness to engage in constructive debate
Willingness to take on multiple responsibilities and the ability to multi-task and work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
High level of integrity and strong 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
Familiarity with negotiating State and Federal contracting experience a plus but not required

Responsibilities

Play an essential role in working with the Legal Director for Sales to support drafting and negotiation of license agreements with academic, corporate and government customers in North and South America.
Provide support in connection with the sales and licensing workflow on a global basis.
Review, draft, negotiate and advise on a broad range of commercial contracts, in consultation with internal stakeholders, including agreements for the acquisition and exploitation of intellectual property rights (including a variety of publishing contracts)
Be an effective trusted advisor and business partner to Springer Nature businesses by providing commercial and strategic advice which is sensitive to the objectives of the business strategy.
Provide advice at all levels of the organization, at both an executive and operational level, which is accessible, commercially sensitive and technically strong across a full range of legal issues (e.g. commercial contracts, intellectual property, data privacy, licensing, compliance).
Provide risk analysis and recommendations to the VP of Sales for the Americas.
Provide support for litigation matters, subpoenas and internal investigations in all their forms, including civil, commercial, regulatory, and employment disputes.
Support discovery processes, including document collection, review, and production, while maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Review, and analyze pleadings, motions, and other litigation-related documents.
Support litigation on strategies in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external counsel.
Monitor case progress, deadlines, and budgets, and prepare regular status reports for senior management.
Contribute to Legal team strategy and knowledge development.
Provide training as to contract negotiation and licensing to the core commercial sales teams in the Americas.
Any other duties that can reasonably be expected.

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