Assistant or Associate General Counsel- A00385

Job Summary:

Reporting to the General Counsel, this position provides practical, business-oriented legal counsel and strategic guidance on a broad range of university transactional, operational, and compliance matters. The attorney will serve as a key advisor on contract drafting, review, negotiation, interpretation, and administration, including vendor agreements, affiliation agreements, service agreements, insurance-related matters, and other transactions that support the University’s academic, administrative, and operational functions. This role requires the ability to identify, assess, and clearly communicate legal and business risks; recommend practical solutions; and support institutional decision-making in a fast-paced higher education environment. The position also advises on regulatory compliance, risk management, policy development, and governance matters, while collaborating closely with university leadership and departments to advance institutional priorities. The successful candidate will bring strong transactional judgment, excellent drafting skills, and a flexible, collaborative approach to addressing new and evolving legal issues.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

• Draft and review contracts, including vendor, IT, consulting, affiliation, licensing, and service agreements.

• Advise GC and Mercy departments on contractual rights, obligations, and risk
• Monitor and advise on federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting higher education operations.
• Assist with institutional compliance initiatives, including policy development, implementation, and regular review.
• Partner with departments such as Procurement, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs to identify and mitigate legal and operational risks.
• Conduct legal research and prepare guidance and training materials for Mercy leadership and employees.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on assigned matters, including litigation support and specialized legal issues.
• Assist the General Counsel with governance matters, regulatory inquiries, investigations, and other legal projects as assigned.
• Develop and deliver practical legal guidance and training to Mercy stakeholders on contracts, compliance, and risk management.

Required Skills & Experience:

• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school
• Admitted to New York State Bar in good standing

Experience:

• Between 3 and 7 years of legal experience as a practicing attorney, preferably with significant transactional experience in-house, at a law firm, in higher education, or in a non-profit environment
• Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, revising, and negotiating contracts, with the ability to evaluate legal, financial, operational, insurance, indemnification, confidentiality, data privacy, and other risk-allocation provisions
• Experience advising internal clients on transactional matters and translating legal requirements into practical, solution-oriented guidance; experience in higher education law is a plus

Preferred Qualifications:

• High ethical standards and demonstrated work ethic
• Proficient in using AI tools
• Excellent listening, oral and written communication, and other interpersonal skills
• Highly motivated to learn about all facets of higher education law
• Proactive, collaborative, and client-service oriented, with the ability to manage a high volume of transactional matters, set priorities, and provide timely, practical legal advice
• Understanding of and experience with issues involving institutions with a mission similar to Mercy University’s mission is a plus

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