Job Description

Job Title: Legal Counsel

Location: New York (Hybrid Working Model)

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and follow @SpringerNature

About the Role

The Legal Counsel functions as part of an integrated global team with the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of Springer Nature both regionally and globally. Reporting to the Head of Legal (North America), this role supports development of best-in-class internal legal support for the Americas, as part of a proactive and agile licensing and commercial team. The Legal Counsel also plays a key role in collaborating with colleagues in the global legal organization to support Springer Nature businesses and functions through a business partner approach. This role also has the potential to expand over time to include publishing work with our editorial team and support for other segments of the business.

Responsibilities  

• Play an essential role in working with the Legal Director for Sales to support drafting and negotiation of license agreements with academic, corporate and government customers in North and South America.    

• Provide support in connection with the sales and licensing workflow on a global basis.  

• Review, draft, negotiate and advise on a broad range of commercial contracts, in consultation with internal stakeholders, including agreements for the acquisition and exploitation of intellectual property rights (including a variety of publishing contracts)  

• Be an effective trusted advisor and business partner to Springer Nature businesses by providing commercial and strategic advice which is sensitive to the objectives of the business strategy.  

• Provide advice at all levels of the organization, at both an executive and operational level, which is accessible, commercially sensitive and technically strong across a full range of legal issues (e.g. commercial contracts, intellectual property, data privacy, licensing, compliance). 

• Provide risk analysis and recommendations to the VP of Sales for the Americas. 

• Provide support for litigation matters, subpoenas and internal investigations in all their forms, including civil, commercial, regulatory, and employment disputes.  

• Support discovery processes, including document collection, review, and production, while maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.  

• Review, and analyze pleadings, motions, and other litigation-related documents.  

• Support litigation on strategies in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external counsel.  

• Monitor case progress, deadlines, and budgets, and prepare regular status reports for senior management. 

• Contribute to Legal team strategy and knowledge development.  

• Provide training as to contract negotiation and licensing to the core commercial sales teams in the Americas. 

• Any other duties that can reasonably be expected.  

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications

Essential: 

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school 

• Admitted Attorney & Member of New York State Bar  

• A minimum of 4+ years’ experience at law firm or in-house with general corporate/commercial/intellectual property matters  

• Strong commercial awareness  

• The ability to manage organizational change  

• The ability to foster alignment and influence decision making  

• Good legal research, analysis and drafting skills  

• The ability to provide clear, accurate and consistent advice  

• Efficient, rigorous, well-organized with good attention to detail and persistence in problem solving  

• Self-motivated team player  

• Excellent communication (verbal, written and presentation) skills with an open, direct communication style and willingness to engage in constructive debate  

• Willingness to take on multiple responsibilities and the ability to multi-task and work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment  

• High level of integrity and strong professional ethics  

Desirable:  

• Publishing and media law, including copyright, defamation, rights of privacy and publicity, internet and social media an advantage but not required 

• Language proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese is a plus but not required 

• Familiarity with negotiating  

• State and Federal contracting experience a plus but not required 

Springer Nature Skills associated with this Job Profile include:

SN-Builds Trust, SN-Being Resilient, SN-Manages Ambiguity, SN-Communicates Effectively, SN-Crisis Management, SN-Case Management, SN-Consulting Skills, SN-Legal & Regulatory Advisory, SN-Balances Stakeholder

Springer Nature US provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes the benefit offerings listed below:

• Medical, Dental and Vision

• 401(k) with company match and contribution

• Hybrid office working policy, Summer Hours, and paid time off

• Flexible Spending and Commuter programs

• Multiple Life insurance options

• Disability coverage

• Tuition Assistance

• Voluntary benefits: Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Legal Assistance Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Family friendly benefits and a variety of employee discounts

• An array of Employee Social Networks 

US Annualized Base Salary Range: $150,000 - $175,000. This role is eligible for an annual performance-related bonus plan. The salary offer may vary based on work experience, education, skill level, and equity. The US salary range does not align with the salary ranges in other countries when converted to the currency of that country.

Springer Nature is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with the laws and regulations set forth in the following poster.

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation. Find out more about our DEI work here:

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit

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