General Counsel Jobs in New York
General Counsel jobs in New York represent one of the most active and competitive markets in the country, concentrated in financial services, technology, media, real estate, and healthcare across every level from associate general counsel to chief legal officer. The heaviest hiring is in New York City, with additional demand in Albany and White Plains, where major employers including JPMorgan Chase, Pfizer, and Verizon maintain significant legal operations. Corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and securities law are the most in-demand specialties for general counsels in New York. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 83+ General Counsel jobs
About this role:
Wells Fargo is seeking a senior attorney with current experience in acquisition financings for both corporate and financial sponsor borrowers. Covered business lines originate debt across the leveraged and investment grade markets, both large cap and middle market segments. The lawyer filling this role will primarily focus on sub-investment grade, broadly syndicated institutional/term loan B and bridge loan facilities and related take-outs, but will be part of a team that also advises on pro rata loan facilities, direct lending and superpriority facilities, and non-acquisition related loan transactions.
In this role, you will:
- Advise senior leadership to develop or influence objectives, plans, specifications, resources, and long-term goals for high-profile, complex and regulated business lines
- Handle matters that have a significant impact on the Company's operations, strategies, and profitability
- Serve as a legal advisor to specific businesses within Wells Fargo, with accountability to multiple other relevant internal constituents on any given matter
- Provide subject matter expertise to guide strategy and resolution of complex and unique challenges across multiple areas of the enterprise, supporting solutions that are long-term, large-scale and require vision, creativity, innovation, advanced analytical and inductive thinking, and coordination
- Review and analyze complex large scale or long-term challenges that require in-depth evaluation of multiple factors
- Provide subject matter expertise to the Corporate & Investment Banking Legal team on implementing innovative and significant business solutions that are large in scale or impact companywide strategies
- Educate, train, and provide syndicated lending and leveraged finance market news to peers across the Legal Department
- Collaborate with all levels of professionals, including more experienced managers
- Engage with stakeholders, internal partners, and peers associated with the function or affected by its outcomes
Required Qualifications:
7+ years of Law experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
Active State Bar membership or the equivalent in a country outside the United States
Desired Qualifications:
- Significant acquisition finance and syndicated lending experience in current markets gained in a law firm setting and/or as internal counsel at a large financial institution
- Deep understanding of secured lending principles including UCC Article 9, ability to articulate foundations of lien creation, perfection and intercreditor contracts
- Some experience with bankruptcy and restructuring is desired
- Ability to advise on complex lending transactions and provide counsel to senior management on market issues and developments
- Ability to serve independently as primary legal coverage on multiple transactions at once on compressed timelines, and operate at a high level of performance with limited ramp-up time
- Experience analyzing legal and regulatory issues in area of corporate banking and leveraged finance, and providing effective counsel to clients on complex legal matters
- Ability to apply experience to spot new issues, escalate material matters to the correct stakeholders, and manage relationships with clients and control functions who may have differing areas of focus and objectives
- Provide clear legal advice to non-lawyer clients, ability to distinguish between legal advice and business decision making, and properly allocate responsibilities accordingly
- Oversee law firm quality, communicate Wells Fargo policies and priorities, and effectively liaise between external providers and internal business partners to achieve mutual goals in a cost-efficient manner
- Exposure to, demonstrated interest in or willingness to participate in market organizations and industry groups relevant to syndicated lending, banking, and credit markets is desired
- Additional experience and/or exposure with either (i) direct lending transactions and/or (ii) high yield bond originations (particularly in connection with bridge financing structures) is desirable but not core to this role
Job Expectations:
Position will require onsite presence from any of the required locations listed
Ability to work a hybrid schedule, in office at least 3 days a week
This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship
Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
Pay Range
Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities.
Benefits
Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.
- Health benefits
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid time off
- Disability benefits
- Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
- Parental leave
- Critical caregiving leave
- Discounts and savings
- Commuter benefits
- Tuition reimbursement
- Scholarships for dependent children
- Adoption reimbursement
Posting End Date:
22 Sep 2026- Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
We Value Equal Opportunity
Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.
Applicants with Disabilities
To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.
Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:
a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.
b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.
About this role:
Wells Fargo is seeking a senior attorney with current experience in acquisition financings for both corporate and financial sponsor borrowers. Covered business lines originate debt across the leveraged and investment grade markets, both large cap and middle market segments. The lawyer filling this role will primarily focus on sub-investment grade, broadly syndicated institutional/term loan B and bridge loan facilities and related take-outs, but will be part of a team that also advises on pro rata loan facilities, direct lending and superpriority facilities, and non-acquisition related loan transactions.
In this role, you will:
- Advise senior leadership to develop or influence objectives, plans, specifications, resources, and long-term goals for high-profile, complex and regulated business lines
- Handle matters that have a significant impact on the Company's operations, strategies, and profitability
- Serve as a legal advisor to specific businesses within Wells Fargo, with accountability to multiple other relevant internal constituents on any given matter
- Provide subject matter expertise to guide strategy and resolution of complex and unique challenges across multiple areas of the enterprise, supporting solutions that are long-term, large-scale and require vision, creativity, innovation, advanced analytical and inductive thinking, and coordination
- Review and analyze complex large scale or long-term challenges that require in-depth evaluation of multiple factors
- Provide subject matter expertise to the Corporate & Investment Banking Legal team on implementing innovative and significant business solutions that are large in scale or impact companywide strategies
- Educate, train, and provide syndicated lending and leveraged finance market news to peers across the Legal Department
- Collaborate with all levels of professionals, including more experienced managers
- Engage with stakeholders, internal partners, and peers associated with the function or affected by its outcomes
Required Qualifications:
7+ years of Law experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
Active State Bar membership or the equivalent in a country outside the United States
Desired Qualifications:
- Significant acquisition finance and syndicated lending experience in current markets gained in a law firm setting and/or as internal counsel at a large financial institution
- Deep understanding of secured lending principles including UCC Article 9, ability to articulate foundations of lien creation, perfection and intercreditor contracts
- Some experience with bankruptcy and restructuring is desired
- Ability to advise on complex lending transactions and provide counsel to senior management on market issues and developments
- Ability to serve independently as primary legal coverage on multiple transactions at once on compressed timelines, and operate at a high level of performance with limited ramp-up time
- Experience analyzing legal and regulatory issues in area of corporate banking and leveraged finance, and providing effective counsel to clients on complex legal matters
- Ability to apply experience to spot new issues, escalate material matters to the correct stakeholders, and manage relationships with clients and control functions who may have differing areas of focus and objectives
- Provide clear legal advice to non-lawyer clients, ability to distinguish between legal advice and business decision making, and properly allocate responsibilities accordingly
- Oversee law firm quality, communicate Wells Fargo policies and priorities, and effectively liaise between external providers and internal business partners to achieve mutual goals in a cost-efficient manner
- Exposure to, demonstrated interest in or willingness to participate in market organizations and industry groups relevant to syndicated lending, banking, and credit markets is desired
- Additional experience and/or exposure with either (i) direct lending transactions and/or (ii) high yield bond originations (particularly in connection with bridge financing structures) is desirable but not core to this role
Job Expectations:
Position will require onsite presence from any of the required locations listed
Ability to work a hybrid schedule, in office at least 3 days a week
This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship
Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
Pay Range
Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities.
Benefits
Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.
- Health benefits
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid time off
- Disability benefits
- Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
- Parental leave
- Critical caregiving leave
- Discounts and savings
- Commuter benefits
- Tuition reimbursement
- Scholarships for dependent children
- Adoption reimbursement
Posting End Date:
22 Sep 2026- Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
We Value Equal Opportunity
Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.
Applicants with Disabilities
To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.
Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:
a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.
b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.
See All 83 General Counsel Jobs in New York
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Find General Counsel JobsGeneral Counsel Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
General Counsel Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Banking & Financial Services
- Education
- Investment & Asset Management
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Medical Devices
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in general counsel jobs across New York.
- Active membership in the New York State Bar or admission to New York courts required
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is universally expected
- Minimum seven to ten years of relevant legal practice in a corporate or regulatory environment
- Demonstrated experience advising boards and senior executives on governance and risk matters
- Background in securities regulation, financial compliance, or M&A transactions strongly preferred
- Strong written and oral communication skills for executive-level stakeholder engagement
General Counsel Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a general counsel in New York?
Becoming a general counsel in New York requires admission to the New York State Bar through the New York State Board of Law Examiners, which administers the bar examination. Candidates must hold a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school. Most general counsels build a decade or more of practice, often starting in BigLaw or a regulatory agency such as the New York State Attorney General's office, before moving into corporate legal leadership roles.
How much do general counsels make in New York?
General 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 general counsels in New York?
Employers hiring general counsels in New York right now include Meta, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. New York's density of financial institutions, global media companies, and Fortune 500 headquarters means demand for senior legal officers remains consistent across a wide range of industries throughout the year.
Which New York cities have the most general counsel jobs?
The cities with the most general counsel openings in New York are New York, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. New York City dominates because of its concentration of financial services firms, multinational corporations, and media companies headquartered in Manhattan, while Albany draws demand from state government agencies and regulated industries, and White Plains serves as a regional corporate hub for companies based in Westchester County.
Are there remote general counsel jobs in New York?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely desk-based analytical roles, since general counsels regularly appear before boards, manage external counsel in person, and represent the company in regulatory matters. About 77% of general counsel openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of September 2026. The advisory and contract-drafting portions of the role are the most likely to be performed remotely when hybrid arrangements are offered.
How can I get hired as a general counsel in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is joining a large New York law firm or a government agency such as the New York State Attorney General's office or the Manhattan District Attorney's office as an associate, then transitioning in-house after building practice depth. New York hospitals and academic medical centers, including those affiliated with major universities, regularly hire assistant general counsels for candidates with limited in-house experience. Admission to the New York State Bar and a focus on corporate, compliance, or regulatory work gives early-career candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to general counsel jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to general counsel jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across New York City, Albany, White Plains, and the broader state. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and practice area, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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