About the Senior Contracts Counsel Role

Robert Half is excited to partner with a dynamic organization in New York City seeking a talented Senior Contracts Counsel to join their in-house legal team. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, this pivotal role offers the chance to provide real-time legal analysis and practical business advice on complex issues spanning vendor management, publishing, property & casualty, technology, and benefits. As a creative, curious self-starter with a team-focused attitude, you'll take full ownership of commercial contracts in a collaborative environment. This full-time position requires regular in-person presence to foster strong relationships and drive meaningful collaboration. If you're a generalist lawyer passionate about contracts in a fast-paced NYC setting, this opportunity at our client's innovative firm could be your next career milestone.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as trusted legal counsel to diverse business and corporate units, emphasizing contract review, drafting, and support for commercial agreements.
• Lead the entire vendor contracting lifecycle—from initial drafts and negotiations to timely execution—handling complex SaaS, cloud, cybersecurity, software licensing, and third-party consulting contracts.
• Collaborate with the vendor management team to design and implement robust contract and vendor management strategies, including risk assessments, policy documentation, and knowledge management improvements.
• Develop standardized vendor contract templates and service level agreement (SLA) terms to streamline operations.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, subject matter experts, and the privacy team to mitigate legal and business risks while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and internal policies.
• Leverage and supervise specialized outside counsel when expert input is required.
• Own the contract lifecycle management (CLM) platform, managing intake, repository functions, and generating actionable legal and business insights via vendor playbooks and technology.
• Engage in regular on-site interactions to build relationships and support cross-functional teams.
• Handle additional related duties as assigned in this evolving role.

Required Qualifications

To excel as Senior Contracts Counsel, candidates must bring a J.D. from an accredited law school, active New York State Bar membership, and at least 7-10 years of hands-on experience in commercial contracts, ideally in an in-house corporate setting. Proficiency in technology-related agreements (SaaS, cloud, cybersecurity) is essential, alongside proven skills in managing high-volume contract workflows and cross-unit priorities. Strong negotiation abilities, risk assessment expertise, and familiarity with CLM tools are critical. We're looking for a positive, proactive generalist who thrives in ambiguity, communicates effectively with non-legal stakeholders, and embraces innovation in legal operations. Experience in vendor management strategies, privacy compliance, and supervising external counsel will set you apart in this competitive New York legal job market.

Why Join Us?

Joining this NYC-based organization through Robert Half means stepping into a supportive legal team where your contributions directly impact dynamic operations. Enjoy a competitive salary up to $200,000+, comprehensive benefits including health coverage, 401(k) matching, and PTO, plus opportunities for professional growth and CLE reimbursement. Work in a modern Manhattan office, collaborate with top-tier professionals, and advance your in-house counsel career amid New York's thriving business landscape. Robert Half's expertise in legal placements ensures a seamless transition. Apply now for this Senior Contracts Counsel position and elevate your legal career!