What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant or Associate Counsel, Contracts position at The State University of New York (SUNY)?
Location: Albany, NY Category: Professional Positions Posted On: Thu Feb 13 2025 Job Description:
About the Office of General Counsel:
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal services and support to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor and senior officers for the State University of New York (SUNY) at SUNY System Administration at Albany, New York, and the presidents and administrators of the campuses within the System. Under the leadership of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and the General Counsel, the SUNY Office of General Counsel is responsible for providing legal services to the System and the 29 state operated campuses. The OGC consists of more than 50 experienced higher education attorneys, paralegals and support staff located in Albany at the System Administration headquarters and in campus-based offices at the four University Centers, Health Science Centers, and various SUNY colleges.
The legal practice of the OGC involves a substantial array of topics, including public procurement, governance and ethics, legislation, health care, capital construction, public finance, labor grievances and arbitration, litigation oversight (the State's Attorney General defends litigation brought against the University), student affairs, and the use of real property, among others. The OGC represents the State University in interactions with State officials who may regulate the affairs of the State University, including the Attorney General, State Comptroller, the Governor and staff, and members of the State Legislature and staff as well as other state and local agencies and entities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The State University of New York System Administration, located in Albany, New York invites applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Counsel - Contracts. As a staff member of the Office of the General Counsel, the Assistant or Associate Counsel - Contracts will assume responsibilities to provide comprehensive legal services and guidance to the State University and its State-operated campuses on issues related to procurement, contracts, and business transactions.
Responsibilities will include reviewing, negotiating, drafting, finalizing and assisting with obtaining regulatory approval for contracts for the organization; advising on solicitation document compliance, responses to regulator audit questions; debriefings; bid protests and bid protest appeals; draft and/or reviewing a full array of agreements which include data use agreements, subordination, attornment, estoppels, lease surrender, lease renewals, lease amendments, early termination agreements and eviction proceedings; short-term licensing agreements for use of commercial space; affiliation and partnership agreements; and, other forms of agreement, where required; drafting and reviewing interagency Memoranda of Understanding ("MOU"); handling emergency procurements, outside counsel contracts and related regulatory approvals; researching legal issues, statutory and regulatory interpretation; answering legal inquiries from SUNY System and campus clients; as well as handle University-wide matters, and other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited ABA law school (or foreign equivalent).
Admission to the New York State Bar (or eligibility for admission within six months) and a strong academic background.
The applicant must have a minimum of 2-3 years of legal practice or relevant legal experience prior to beginning the position to be considered for the Assistant Counsel title, and a minimum of 3-5 years of legal practice or relevant experience to be considered for the Associate Counsel title.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience advising clients with complex contracts and real property issues, especially with governmental entities.
Knowledge of applicable federal and State of New York laws and regulations related to grants and contracts.
Experience in complex case management.
Superior written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong analytical and legal research skills.
Legal experience working in higher education and/or government law.
Additional Information:
Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, training, and certifications.
The range as an Assistant Counsel position is $84,000 - $118,000 .
The range as an Associate Counsel position is $105,000 - $149,000.
Excellent Benefit Package which includes: NYS health insurance, free dental and vision coverage, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance, parental leave at full pay, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday time. 13 days of paid holidays per year; 21 days of vacation and 21 days of sick time accrued each year. Please see our Management/Confidential benefits summary for additional information.
Management/Confidential appointments work under the leadership and discretion of the appointing authority and are not represented by a union.
This position is located in Albany, New York. Limited telecommuting may be available. Some travel may be required depending on the needs of clients.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants with a valid driver's license are preferred.
SUNY System Administration Benefits
SUNY System Administration provides an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family through the many life changes you may experience while you work for SUNY. Our nationally recognized benefits include:
Retirement : The choice between a fully funded pension plan and a self-driven defined contribution plan, along with two supplemental plans to increase your ability to save for retirement.
Health Insurance : Several health insurance options at an affordable cost that provide full coverage without mandatory deductibles.
Time Off : Paid time off with separate vacation and sick leave accruals up to 21 days a year for each category.
Additional paid leave policy options for childbirth, adoption, elder care, and other family care situations.
Flexible Working Arrangements : Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid schedules, are available depending on position.
Explore our full benefits offerings here: www.suny.edu/benefits
About the Office of General Counsel:
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal services and support to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor and senior officers for the State University of New York (SUNY) at SUNY System Administration at Albany, New York, and the presidents and administrators of the campuses within the System. Under the leadership of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and the General Counsel, the SUNY Office of General Counsel is responsible for providing legal services to the System and the 29 state operated campuses. The OGC consists of more than 50 experienced higher education attorneys, paralegals and support staff located in Albany at the System Administration headquarters and in campus-based offices at the four University Centers, Health Science Centers, and various SUNY colleges.
The legal practice of the OGC involves a substantial array of topics, including public procurement, governance and ethics, legislation, health care, capital construction, public finance, labor grievances and arbitration, litigation oversight (the State's Attorney General defends litigation brought against the University), student affairs, and the use of real property, among others. The OGC represents the State University in interactions with State officials who may regulate the affairs of the State University, including the Attorney General, State Comptroller, the Governor and staff, and members of the State Legislature and staff as well as other state and local agencies and entities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The State University of New York System Administration, located in Albany, New York invites applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Counsel - Contracts. As a staff member of the Office of the General Counsel, the Assistant or Associate Counsel - Contracts will assume responsibilities to provide comprehensive legal services and guidance to the State University and its State-operated campuses on issues related to procurement, contracts, and business transactions.
Responsibilities will include reviewing, negotiating, drafting, finalizing and assisting with obtaining regulatory approval for contracts for the organization; advising on solicitation document compliance, responses to regulator audit questions; debriefings; bid protests and bid protest appeals; draft and/or reviewing a full array of agreements which include data use agreements, subordination, attornment, estoppels, lease surrender, lease renewals, lease amendments, early termination agreements and eviction proceedings; short-term licensing agreements for use of commercial space; affiliation and partnership agreements; and, other forms of agreement, where required; drafting and reviewing interagency Memoranda of Understanding ("MOU"); handling emergency procurements, outside counsel contracts and related regulatory approvals; researching legal issues, statutory and regulatory interpretation; answering legal inquiries from SUNY System and campus clients; as well as handle University-wide matters, and other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited ABA law school (or foreign equivalent).
Admission to the New York State Bar (or eligibility for admission within six months) and a strong academic background.
The applicant must have a minimum of 2-3 years of legal practice or relevant legal experience prior to beginning the position to be considered for the Assistant Counsel title, and a minimum of 3-5 years of legal practice or relevant experience to be considered for the Associate Counsel title.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience advising clients with complex contracts and real property issues, especially with governmental entities.
Knowledge of applicable federal and State of New York laws and regulations related to grants and contracts.
Experience in complex case management.
Superior written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong analytical and legal research skills.
Legal experience working in higher education and/or government law.
Additional Information:
Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, training, and certifications.
The range as an Assistant Counsel position is $84,000 - $118,000 .
The range as an Associate Counsel position is $105,000 - $149,000.
Excellent Benefit Package which includes: NYS health insurance, free dental and vision coverage, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance, parental leave at full pay, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday time. 13 days of paid holidays per year; 21 days of vacation and 21 days of sick time accrued each year. Please see our Management/Confidential benefits summary for additional information.
Management/Confidential appointments work under the leadership and discretion of the appointing authority and are not represented by a union.
This position is located in Albany, New York. Limited telecommuting may be available. Some travel may be required depending on the needs of clients.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants with a valid driver's license are preferred.
SUNY System Administration Benefits
SUNY System Administration provides an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family through the many life changes you may experience while you work for SUNY. Our nationally recognized benefits include:
Retirement : The choice between a fully funded pension plan and a self-driven defined contribution plan, along with two supplemental plans to increase your ability to save for retirement.
Health Insurance : Several health insurance options at an affordable cost that provide full coverage without mandatory deductibles.
Time Off : Paid time off with separate vacation and sick leave accruals up to 21 days a year for each category.
Additional paid leave policy options for childbirth, adoption, elder care, and other family care situations.
Flexible Working Arrangements : Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid schedules, are available depending on position.
Explore our full benefits offerings here: www.suny.edu/benefits
Salary : $84,000 - $118,000
