Associate General Counsel - Intellectual Property & Emerging Technologies
Application Deadline : 23 February 2025
Department : Legal
Employment Type : Full Time
Location : Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Reporting To : Bridget Smith
Compensation : $200,000 - $220,000 / year
Description
Overview
As NYPL continues to innovate and expand our digital and technological initiatives, we seek an experienced Associate General Counsel with expertise in intellectual property (IP) and emerging technologies , who will also provide legal counsel on a broad range of generalist matters. The Associate General Counsel will work closely with other Legal Department members in a small legal team and report directly to the General Counsel. This position will serve as a legal advisor, supporting NYPL’s mission by managing legal risks, ensuring compliance, and providing strategic guidance on matters related to IP (copyright and fair use and trademarks), digital initiatives, AI and emerging technologies, also an opportunity to work in such areas as general corporate, employment, and contract law.
We are looking for someone we can count on to :
Own :
- Independent handling of legal matters and projects ranging from basic to complex
- Management of work product records
- Client relationships with supported departments
Teach :
Clients and stakeholders about the law, policies and procedures related to legal mattersLearn :
The complexities and diversity of matters faced by the Library’s Legal DepartmentLibrary’s internal procedures, policies, stakeholders and various department functionsImprove :
Template forms and processesWorkflow by ensuring that appropriate clients and team members are involved in projects and the decision-making processSome expectations for this role are that within :
1 month , this person will :
Conduct in-person introductions with key stakeholders of supported departmentsBecome familiar with the organizational structure of the Library and its leadershipLearn how to navigate Legal Department’s document management system3 months , this person will :
Learn about the Library’s departments and obtain a strong knowledge of their functions and objectivesIndependently handle legal matters6 months and beyond , this person will :
Be fully immersed in the Library and its workBuild rapport and good working relationships with stakeholdersEstablish themselves as a primary Legal Department point of contact with clientsSuggest potential refinement of the Legal Department’s processes and proceduresEstablish relationships with other attorneys at peer institutionsResponsibilities
Provide legal advice and counsel to internal clients on a variety of matters, including the following areas of law : intellectual property strategy, including protecting new technologies, copyright and trademarksCounsel on legal risks related to AI, machine learning, data privacy, and digitization effortsWork closely with the Research Libraries, Digital Team and Information Technology Group to draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of contractsDraft key documentsIdentify and analyze legal issues and provide adviceEnsure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards - and provide guidance to Library’s departmentsStay informed and up to date about emerging legal and regulatory issues that may impact the Library and proactively recommend appropriate action and / or strategiesCollaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to develop and implement policies and procedures that align with legal requirements, best practices and Library valuesManage litigation claims and administrative agency complaints with outside insurance counselReview subpoenas and third-party information requests and manage responsesEngage and supervise various outside counselNotarize documentsProvide general legal support with a focus on protecting the Library’s interests, furthering its non-profit mission, and mitigating riskOther legal matters as neededRequired Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law schoolActive New York State Bar Membership in good standingNY State Notary Public License preferredRequired Experience
10 years of relevant legal experience, in a combination of law firm and in-house settings, preferably in the non-profit, education, or research sectors.Deep expertise in intellectual property, technology law, and digital rights, with the ability to handle a diverse legal portfolio.Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contractsExperience with providing counsel and advice to clients and maintaining client relationshipsRequired Skills
Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and effectively manage projects and multiple priorities in a timely mannerExcellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts to a non-legal audienceAbility to problem-solve on a broad range of legal questions and provide sound, thoughtful & practical advice on actions and policiesHandle matters with confidentiality and discretion and exercises sound judgmentDemonstrated integrity and adhering to high ethical values in dealings with othersAble to work well both independently and as part of a team environmentBuild and maintain strong working relationships and effectively liaise with internal clients, outside counsel and others at all levelsFlexible working style and ability to adjust when neededExcellent organizational skillsAbility to supervise, delegate work to and provide constructive feedback to Legal Department internsInterest in the Library’s mission and desire to join a mission-driven nonprofit organizationManagerial / Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise one Legal Department law student intern per semester
More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values :
Be Helpful to patrons and colleaguesBe Resourceful in solving problemsBe Curious in all aspects of your workBe Welcoming and InclusiveWork Environment
Work is typically done in the Legal Department office setting with occasional travel in the NYC area to libraries and other departmentsPhysical Duties
Limited physical effort is requiredReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this rolePre-Placement Physical Required?
Union / Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Exempt
Schedule
The position is currently hybrid with a minimum of 3 days in the office and 2 days maximum of remote work.
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).
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Salary : $200,000 - $220,000
