Assistant Counsel Jobs in New York
Assistant Counsel jobs in New York draw strong and consistent demand, with openings concentrated in government agencies, financial services, healthcare systems, and large corporate legal departments, at every level from entry-level associate through senior counsel. New York City accounts for the bulk of hiring, with additional activity in Albany and Buffalo, and major employers with lasting presences include the New York City Law Department, Northwell Health, and JPMorgan Chase. The most sought-after specialties in New York are regulatory compliance, litigation support, and transactional work tied to the state's finance and healthcare sectors. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 32+ Assistant Counsel jobs
Guided by our company Purpose of “Inspiring well-being for our colleagues, consumers, and communities,” we are committed to building a best-in-class Law Department.
We drive a high-performance culture across our Legal, Compliance, and Government Affairs functions. That culture is aligned to “what” we deliver (our goals) and “how” we deliver it (the values and behaviors we demonstrate in achieving those goals). We do this by leveraging a set of core capabilities: interpersonal effectiveness, business savvy, subject matter expertise in your practice area, and leading people and teams where applicable.
Our colleagues and the candidates we hire are key to the continued success of our department.
Position Summary
As Assistant General Counsel, Cybersecurity, Data Governance & Privacy, you will join a multidisciplinary team of attorneys and paraprofessionals that combines our privacy, cybersecurity, data governance, artificial intelligence, and intellectual property practices.
You will help Guardian’s businesses navigate business-critical issues and counsel first-line professionals who are focused on innovative opportunities to improve our customers’ experiences. You will advise business leaders on cybersecurity issues and partner with Law colleagues on regulatory inquiries and civil litigation, providing strategic advice that combines legal and technical guidance. You will also support business partners across all areas of data risk and governance and help shape how Guardian governs its use of artificial intelligence.
You are
A trusted legal advisor with strong expertise in cybersecurity, data governance, and privacy. You bring sound judgment and a practical, business-focused approach to navigating evolving risks and complex challenges. You build strong relationships, influence and empower leaders, and translate legal requirements into clear guidance and actionable solutions.
You have
Required:
- A Juris Doctor degree.
- Three to five or more years of relevant professional legal experience in corporate data security/cybersecurity.
- Industry knowledge across a broad range of insurance and investment products, platforms, and trends.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as outstanding organizational and analytical skills.
- Strong negotiation skills and business acumen.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting, with a high level of self-direction and sound judgment.
- A self-starter with a proactive approach to addressing issues before they create legal exposure, and the ability to handle a wide range of complex and challenging situations.
- Demonstrated AI literacy, including using AI-enabled legal tools (such as Harvey) for research and drafting, with the judgment to critically evaluate and verify AI-generated output against primary sources.
- Working knowledge of U.S. and global privacy laws, cybersecurity regulations (including NYDFS Part 500), and emerging AI laws and regulations.
Preferred:
- New York State bar admission, or eligibility to practice under New York’s registered in-house counsel program.
- Experience in the life insurance industry, financial services, or another highly regulated industry.
- Proficiency in Westlaw and Harvey, and general desktop computer competency.
You will
- Help Guardian’s businesses navigate business-critical issues.
- Counsel first-line professionals pursuing innovative opportunities to improve customers’ experiences.
- Advise business leaders on cybersecurity issues, including incidents, breach notification obligations, and cyber regulations (e.g., NYDFS Part 500), so the business can demonstrate that its controls are defensible.
- Provide legal counsel and practical support to the Privacy team on privacy-related business initiatives, applying U.S. and global privacy laws to how personal data is collected, used, shared, and deleted, including through privacy impact assessments (PIAs) and privacy by design.
- Partner with Law colleagues on regulatory inquiries and civil litigation.
- Provide strategic legal and technical guidance.
- Assist business partners across all areas of data risk and governance.
Reporting Relationships
As our Assistant General Counsel, Cybersecurity, Data Governance & Privacy, you will report to our Associate General Counsel, Data Strategy & Security, who reports to our Chief Legal Officer.
Functional Leadership Skills & Behaviors
Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Uses communication and storytelling to inspire, motivate, and influence others. Communicates concisely, with composure and confidence, in an engaging manner.
- Goes beyond what is expected and engages others to do the same.
- Proactively seeks out leadership and significant project opportunities rather than waiting for direction.
Business Savvy
- Takes the time to learn the business in depth and applies professional expertise to business and customer needs in ways that make a significant difference.
- Takes a strategic, end-to-end view in organizing and planning work and initiatives, and delivers exceptional results, including by managing or influencing others.
- Asks insightful questions to create or shape new solutions, challenges existing approaches, enlists others in new thinking, and champions change and new projects that shape the future.
Legal Expertise
- Demonstrates mastery of written and oral communication, delivering concise, clear, and persuasive messages, especially at the executive level.
- Stays current in the subject matter and demonstrates expert knowledge in the field; is sought after for advice and counsel and makes significant contributions toward team and organizational goals.
- Brings a solutions-based approach to understanding client and customer needs and delivering unique solutions to challenging business problems.
Lead by Example
- Bring your authentic self to work, demonstrate empathy, and create an inclusive environment.
- Prioritize your well-being.
- Stay informed and continually develop yourself as a leader to create capacity for growth.
Location
The primary location for this position is New York (Hudson Yards), onsite three days a week.
has context menu
Salary Range:
$178,690.00 - $293,560.00The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.
Our Promise
At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.
Inspire Well-Being
As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits. Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.
Accommodations
Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MyHR@glic.com. Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site.
Visa Sponsorship
Guardian Life is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment-based visas (e.g., such as an H-1B). In order to be a successful applicant, you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship/support now or at any time in the future.
Notice Regarding Guardian’s Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment
As part of Guardian’s job application process, Guardian may use artificial intelligence tools (“AI Tools") to automate the sorting and filtering of information provided by applicants as part of its preliminary screening. This preliminary screening may be used to help identify applicant materials and resumes relative to their indication that the applicant meets the requirements for the specific job for which they are applying, as specified in the listing posted on Guardian’s jobs website (Careers at Guardian at https://www.guardianlife.com/careers). At Guardian, we do not use AI Tools to substantially assist or replace human judgment or discretionary decision making in our hiring process. All hiring decisions will be made by Guardian colleagues.
Please be aware that if you apply for a specific position with Guardian, you will have the choice of opting out of Guardian’s use of AI Tools during the job application process. If you would like to request an alternative process that does not utilize AI Tools or would like to request a reasonable accommodation, within ten business days of your position application, you must email your request to MyHR@glic.com, making sure to provide your name and job requisition identification number. Guardian will retain your applicant materials and resume and all information therefrom in accordance with Guardian’s document retention policy, a copy of which you may request via MyHR@glic.com.
Additionally, at applicable times, Guardian will make public the most recent bias audit results for such AI tools, which may be found here.
Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.
Guided by our company Purpose of “Inspiring well-being for our colleagues, consumers, and communities,” we are committed to building a best-in-class Law Department.
We drive a high-performance culture across our Legal, Compliance, and Government Affairs functions. That culture is aligned to “what” we deliver (our goals) and “how” we deliver it (the values and behaviors we demonstrate in achieving those goals). We do this by leveraging a set of core capabilities: interpersonal effectiveness, business savvy, subject matter expertise in your practice area, and leading people and teams where applicable.
Our colleagues and the candidates we hire are key to the continued success of our department.
Position Summary
As Assistant General Counsel, Cybersecurity, Data Governance & Privacy, you will join a multidisciplinary team of attorneys and paraprofessionals that combines our privacy, cybersecurity, data governance, artificial intelligence, and intellectual property practices.
You will help Guardian’s businesses navigate business-critical issues and counsel first-line professionals who are focused on innovative opportunities to improve our customers’ experiences. You will advise business leaders on cybersecurity issues and partner with Law colleagues on regulatory inquiries and civil litigation, providing strategic advice that combines legal and technical guidance. You will also support business partners across all areas of data risk and governance and help shape how Guardian governs its use of artificial intelligence.
You are
A trusted legal advisor with strong expertise in cybersecurity, data governance, and privacy. You bring sound judgment and a practical, business-focused approach to navigating evolving risks and complex challenges. You build strong relationships, influence and empower leaders, and translate legal requirements into clear guidance and actionable solutions.
You have
Required:
- A Juris Doctor degree.
- Three to five or more years of relevant professional legal experience in corporate data security/cybersecurity.
- Industry knowledge across a broad range of insurance and investment products, platforms, and trends.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as outstanding organizational and analytical skills.
- Strong negotiation skills and business acumen.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting, with a high level of self-direction and sound judgment.
- A self-starter with a proactive approach to addressing issues before they create legal exposure, and the ability to handle a wide range of complex and challenging situations.
- Demonstrated AI literacy, including using AI-enabled legal tools (such as Harvey) for research and drafting, with the judgment to critically evaluate and verify AI-generated output against primary sources.
- Working knowledge of U.S. and global privacy laws, cybersecurity regulations (including NYDFS Part 500), and emerging AI laws and regulations.
Preferred:
- New York State bar admission, or eligibility to practice under New York’s registered in-house counsel program.
- Experience in the life insurance industry, financial services, or another highly regulated industry.
- Proficiency in Westlaw and Harvey, and general desktop computer competency.
You will
- Help Guardian’s businesses navigate business-critical issues.
- Counsel first-line professionals pursuing innovative opportunities to improve customers’ experiences.
- Advise business leaders on cybersecurity issues, including incidents, breach notification obligations, and cyber regulations (e.g., NYDFS Part 500), so the business can demonstrate that its controls are defensible.
- Provide legal counsel and practical support to the Privacy team on privacy-related business initiatives, applying U.S. and global privacy laws to how personal data is collected, used, shared, and deleted, including through privacy impact assessments (PIAs) and privacy by design.
- Partner with Law colleagues on regulatory inquiries and civil litigation.
- Provide strategic legal and technical guidance.
- Assist business partners across all areas of data risk and governance.
Reporting Relationships
As our Assistant General Counsel, Cybersecurity, Data Governance & Privacy, you will report to our Associate General Counsel, Data Strategy & Security, who reports to our Chief Legal Officer.
Functional Leadership Skills & Behaviors
Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Uses communication and storytelling to inspire, motivate, and influence others. Communicates concisely, with composure and confidence, in an engaging manner.
- Goes beyond what is expected and engages others to do the same.
- Proactively seeks out leadership and significant project opportunities rather than waiting for direction.
Business Savvy
- Takes the time to learn the business in depth and applies professional expertise to business and customer needs in ways that make a significant difference.
- Takes a strategic, end-to-end view in organizing and planning work and initiatives, and delivers exceptional results, including by managing or influencing others.
- Asks insightful questions to create or shape new solutions, challenges existing approaches, enlists others in new thinking, and champions change and new projects that shape the future.
Legal Expertise
- Demonstrates mastery of written and oral communication, delivering concise, clear, and persuasive messages, especially at the executive level.
- Stays current in the subject matter and demonstrates expert knowledge in the field; is sought after for advice and counsel and makes significant contributions toward team and organizational goals.
- Brings a solutions-based approach to understanding client and customer needs and delivering unique solutions to challenging business problems.
Lead by Example
- Bring your authentic self to work, demonstrate empathy, and create an inclusive environment.
- Prioritize your well-being.
- Stay informed and continually develop yourself as a leader to create capacity for growth.
Location
The primary location for this position is New York (Hudson Yards), onsite three days a week.
has context menu
Salary Range:
$178,690.00 - $293,560.00The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.
Our Promise
At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.
Inspire Well-Being
As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits. Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.
Accommodations
Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MyHR@glic.com. Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site.
Visa Sponsorship
Guardian Life is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment-based visas (e.g., such as an H-1B). In order to be a successful applicant, you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship/support now or at any time in the future.
Notice Regarding Guardian’s Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment
As part of Guardian’s job application process, Guardian may use artificial intelligence tools (“AI Tools") to automate the sorting and filtering of information provided by applicants as part of its preliminary screening. This preliminary screening may be used to help identify applicant materials and resumes relative to their indication that the applicant meets the requirements for the specific job for which they are applying, as specified in the listing posted on Guardian’s jobs website (Careers at Guardian at https://www.guardianlife.com/careers). At Guardian, we do not use AI Tools to substantially assist or replace human judgment or discretionary decision making in our hiring process. All hiring decisions will be made by Guardian colleagues.
Please be aware that if you apply for a specific position with Guardian, you will have the choice of opting out of Guardian’s use of AI Tools during the job application process. If you would like to request an alternative process that does not utilize AI Tools or would like to request a reasonable accommodation, within ten business days of your position application, you must email your request to MyHR@glic.com, making sure to provide your name and job requisition identification number. Guardian will retain your applicant materials and resume and all information therefrom in accordance with Guardian’s document retention policy, a copy of which you may request via MyHR@glic.com.
Additionally, at applicable times, Guardian will make public the most recent bias audit results for such AI tools, which may be found here.
Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.
See All 32 Assistant Counsel Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Assistant Counsel JobsAssistant Counsel Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Assistant Counsel Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Marketing & Advertising
- Investment & Asset Management
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant counsel jobs across New York.
- Active admission to the New York State Bar or eligibility for New York admission
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Experience drafting legal memoranda, contracts, or regulatory filings
- Familiarity with New York state statutes, regulations, and court procedures
- Strong written and oral communication skills for client and agency interaction
- Ability to manage a caseload or transaction portfolio with minimal supervision
Assistant Counsel Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a assistant counsel in New York?
Becoming an assistant counsel in New York requires earning a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school and passing the New York State Bar Examination, administered by the New York State Board of Law Examiners. After passing, you register biennially with the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court in your judicial department. Candidates who studied outside New York may qualify through reciprocal admission or the Uniform Bar Exam score transfer process if New York accepts their score.
How much do assistant counsels make in New York?
Assistant counsels in New York earn a median of about $207,860 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $85,200 for the lowest 10% to over $391,420 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire assistant counsels in New York?
Employers hiring assistant counsels in New York right now include Intuit, JPMorganChase, and Metropolitan Transportation Authority, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. New York's concentration of financial institutions, government bodies, and large hospital systems means demand for assistant counsels stays active well beyond the biggest household names.
Which New York cities have the most assistant counsel jobs?
New York, Albany, and Manhattan have the most assistant counsel openings in New York. New York City dominates because it is home to the state's largest government legal offices, major bank and insurance headquarters, and the region's leading hospital systems, while Albany draws steady demand from state agency counsel offices and Buffalo's growing healthcare and manufacturing base supports its share of in-house legal roles.
Are there remote assistant counsel jobs in New York?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely analytical fields because assistant counsel work frequently involves court appearances, agency hearings, and in-person client meetings. About 80% of assistant counsel openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid arrangements more prevalent than fully remote positions. Contract review, regulatory research, and compliance advisory work are the functions most often offered with schedule flexibility.
How can I get hired as a assistant counsel in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a staff attorney fellowship or government clerkship: the New York City Law Department, the New York State Attorney General's office, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority each run structured programs that bring on recent law school graduates in supervised counsel roles. A New York State Bar admission, even if very recent, is the credential that opens these doors, and candidates who interned at a district attorney's office, a public defender, or a government agency during law school are consistently competitive for these entry-level positions.
Where can I find and apply to assistant counsel jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to assistant counsel jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and surrounding areas. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and practice area, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 32 Assistant Counsel Jobs in New York
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