Senior Legal Counsel

Saab•East Syracuse, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Saab, Inc. is seeking an experienced and business-oriented Senior Legal Counsel to join our in-house legal team. The ideal candidate will have 8+ years of post-qualification experience, with a strong preference for candidates from the aerospace and defense sector. This role requires a strategic thinker who can provide pragmatic legal advice across a broad range of matters, including commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and employment law. Limited domestic and international travel, as needed.

Requirements

Law degree (LL.B., J.D., or equivalent) and admission to practice in a relevant jurisdiction, preferably in NY, or ability to obtain NY in-house certification.
8+ years of legal experience, ideally with a mix of law firm and in-house exposure.
Demonstrated experience in commercial contracting and regulatory compliance.
Working knowledge of employment law.
Motivated self-starter, with strong legal, interpersonal, sound judgment, and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced business environment.
Familiarity with international operations and cross-border legal issues.
High level of integrity and professionalism.
Ability to operate independently while collaborating within a team environment.
Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
Proven budget management skills.
Self-supporting with ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, as well as cloud-based tools such as OneDrive and Teams.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Aerospace and Defense or similar industries.
Strong influencing skills.
3+ years of experience practicing employment law, ideally with a combination of law firm and/or in-house experience.
Strong business acumen.
Experience in change management, project management, business process management, or system implementation.
Experience with in-house technology and matter management tools.

Responsibilities

Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including teaming agreements, licensing agreements, and collaboration agreements.
Provide legal support and guidance to government contracts specialists.
Support complex, high-value transactions, particularly within regulated environments.
Advise internal stakeholders on contractual rights, obligations, and risk mitigation strategies.
Provide guidance on applicable laws and regulations, particularly those relevant to the aerospace and defense sector.
Ensure ongoing compliance with local and international legal frameworks.
Develop and implement internal compliance policies and training programs.
Advise HR and management on employment-related matters, including hiring, terminations, disciplinary actions, and workplace investigations.
Draft and review employment contracts, policies, and employee handbooks.
Manage employment disputes and coordinate with external counsel when necessary.
Support corporate governance activities.
Ensure compliance with corporate policies and statutory requirements.
Assist with corporate structuring, entity management, and internal approvals.
Identify legal risks and provide proactive solutions to minimize exposure.
Manage disputes, claims, and litigation in coordination with external counsel.
Support internal investigations and crisis management when required.
Work closely with business, supply chain, HR, finance, government affairs, and communications teams.
Provide clear, actionable legal advice aligned with business objectives.
Contribute to strategic decision-making as a trusted legal advisor.