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Assistant or Associate General Counsel- A00385
- Dobbs Ferry, NY, New York, United States
- Staff Full-time
- $135,000- $150,000 annually
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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About Mercy
Mercy University is a dynamic, independent, coeducational New York City area university that offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs in six schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Mercy is the region's largest private, nonprofit, Minority-Serving Institution, proud to serve a student body that is highly diverse. As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Mercy University, has been ranked nationally among top colleges in the country for Hispanics by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and by Excelencia in Education, earning their prestigious Seal of Excelencia for intentionally serving Latino students.
Mercy University was further recognized by HACU as a national leader in awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanics in several disciplines, including Psychology, Sociology, and Business. Westchester Magazine has also named Mercy the Best College in Westchester County in 2019, 2020, and 2022.
Mercy is committed to offering an inclusive learning environment to help a diverse student body set a course for their future. To support its student body, Mercy has been awarded a number of federal grants which enable us to better develop and deliver education to our students.
Mercy’s student body reflects the rich diversity of the New York metropolitan area. Enrollment, including full-time and part-time undergraduates and graduates, is approximately 8,800. Mercy students learn on campuses in Dobbs Ferry, the Bronx, and Manhattan as well as online.
At Mercy University we strive to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more.
Our Mission:
Mercy University is committed to providing motivated students the opportunity to transform their lives through higher education by offering liberal arts and professional programs in personalized and high-quality learning environments, thus preparing students to embark on rewarding careers, to continue learning throughout their lives and to act ethically and responsibly in a changing world.
Benefits Eligible:
Mercy University strives to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more.
EEO Statement
Mercy University is an equal opportunity employer. Mercy University actively engages in recruiting a diverse workforce and student body that includes members of historically underrepresented groups and strives to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, height, weight, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
As part of this commitment, Mercy University will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact The Office of Human Resources at (914) 674-7839, Option 6 or via email at HR@mercy.edu.
The posted salary range for this position is based on several legitimate, non-discriminatory factors set by the organization. Mercy is committed to ensuring equal pay opportunities for equal work regardless of gender, race, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local pay equity laws.
Campus Safety
Mercy University is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Information regarding campus safety can be found here.