Legal Counsel Jobs in New York
Legal Counsel jobs in New York represent one of the most active and competitive markets in the country, with demand concentrated in corporate law, financial regulatory compliance, and technology transactions at every level from junior associate counsel through general counsel. Most openings are in New York City, Buffalo, and Albany, where major employers such as JPMorgan Chase, Pfizer, and Verizon maintain large legal departments with ongoing hiring. Contract negotiation, data privacy, and securities compliance are among the most sought-after specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Darktrace is a global leader in AI for cybersecurity that keeps organizations ahead of the changing threat landscape every day. Founded in 2013, Darktrace provides the essential cybersecurity platform protecting nearly 10,000 organizations from unknown threats using its proprietary AI. The Darktrace Active AI Security Platform™ delivers a proactive approach to cyber resilience to secure the business across the entire digital estate – from network to cloud to email. Breakthrough innovations from our R&D teams have resulted in over 200 patent applications filed. Darktrace’s platform and services are supported by over 2,400 employees around the world.
ROLE OVERVIEW
This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and business-minded lawyer eager to accelerate professional growth while working at the forefront of AI and cybersecurity. You will join the Americas Commercial Legal team and collaborate closely with colleagues across the global legal organization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Commercial Contracts:
Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including:
- Software license and master services agreements with customers
- Reseller and distribution agreements with partners
- Data processing agreements
- Marketing, advertising, and other strategic commercial arrangements
Operational Support:
Partner cross-functionally with Global Sales, Partner Organization, Finance, and Deal Desk teams to deliver timely, practical, and scalable legal support.
Project Management:
Support and drive legal team initiatives, coordinating across stakeholders to advance key projects and improve processes as the company scales.
Legal Research:
Conduct legal research and provide guidance on a variety of issues as needed.
Additional Legal Support:
Provide support across multiple areas, including employment matters, disputes, marketing and advertising, intellectual property, and cyber incident response.
Work Model:
Hybrid role with a minimum of two to three days per week in the New York office; occasional travel may be required.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- Active membership in good standing with the New York Bar
- 2–6 years of relevant experience, either at a top law firm (transactional practice) or within a fast-paced in-house legal department, or ideally both.
- Familiarity working with Legal AI tools and comfort with complex issues in a fast moving, dynamic environment.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Strong work ethic with the ability to thrive in a high-growth, fast-paced environment
- Ability to work independently and proactively manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to deliver high-quality work under tight timelines
- Commercially minded with responsiveness to business needs and objectives
- Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across teams and levels of the organization
SALARY
$150,000 - $170,000 (depending on experience), plus bonus
BENEFITS
- 100% medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus dependents
- Paid parental leave
- Pet insurance discount
- Life insurance
- Commuter benefits
- 401(k)
- Employee Assistance Program
Darktrace proudly supports diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.
Join us on our mission to free the world of cyber disruption.
INTRODUCTION
Darktrace is a global leader in AI for cybersecurity that keeps organizations ahead of the changing threat landscape every day. Founded in 2013, Darktrace provides the essential cybersecurity platform protecting nearly 10,000 organizations from unknown threats using its proprietary AI. The Darktrace Active AI Security Platform™ delivers a proactive approach to cyber resilience to secure the business across the entire digital estate – from network to cloud to email. Breakthrough innovations from our R&D teams have resulted in over 200 patent applications filed. Darktrace’s platform and services are supported by over 2,400 employees around the world.
ROLE OVERVIEW
This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and business-minded lawyer eager to accelerate professional growth while working at the forefront of AI and cybersecurity. You will join the Americas Commercial Legal team and collaborate closely with colleagues across the global legal organization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Commercial Contracts:
Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including:
- Software license and master services agreements with customers
- Reseller and distribution agreements with partners
- Data processing agreements
- Marketing, advertising, and other strategic commercial arrangements
Operational Support:
Partner cross-functionally with Global Sales, Partner Organization, Finance, and Deal Desk teams to deliver timely, practical, and scalable legal support.
Project Management:
Support and drive legal team initiatives, coordinating across stakeholders to advance key projects and improve processes as the company scales.
Legal Research:
Conduct legal research and provide guidance on a variety of issues as needed.
Additional Legal Support:
Provide support across multiple areas, including employment matters, disputes, marketing and advertising, intellectual property, and cyber incident response.
Work Model:
Hybrid role with a minimum of two to three days per week in the New York office; occasional travel may be required.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- Active membership in good standing with the New York Bar
- 2–6 years of relevant experience, either at a top law firm (transactional practice) or within a fast-paced in-house legal department, or ideally both.
- Familiarity working with Legal AI tools and comfort with complex issues in a fast moving, dynamic environment.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Strong work ethic with the ability to thrive in a high-growth, fast-paced environment
- Ability to work independently and proactively manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to deliver high-quality work under tight timelines
- Commercially minded with responsiveness to business needs and objectives
- Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across teams and levels of the organization
SALARY
$150,000 - $170,000 (depending on experience), plus bonus
BENEFITS
- 100% medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus dependents
- Paid parental leave
- Pet insurance discount
- Life insurance
- Commuter benefits
- 401(k)
- Employee Assistance Program
Darktrace proudly supports diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.
Join us on our mission to free the world of cyber disruption.
See All 713+ Legal Counsel Jobs in New York
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Find Legal Counsel JobsLegal Counsel Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Legal Counsel Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- City of New York44
- Jobot24
- Herbert Smith Freehills18
- Goldman Sachs15
- Morgan Stanley13
Top Industries Hiring
- Law & Legal Services252
- Investment & Asset Management84
- Technology & Software81
- Insurance48
- Government & Public Sector46
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in legal counsel jobs across New York.
- Active admission to the New York State Bar through the New York State Board of Law Examiners
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school recognized for New York bar eligibility
- Experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts in a corporate or in-house setting
- Demonstrated knowledge of New York state and federal regulatory compliance frameworks
- Strong written communication skills for legal memoranda, policies, and stakeholder advisories
- Ability to advise senior leadership on legal risk across multiple business units simultaneously
Legal Counsel Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a legal counsel in New York?
To become a legal counsel in New York, you must earn a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and pass the New York State Bar Examination, administered by the New York State Board of Law Examiners. After passing, you complete character and fitness review and are admitted to the New York State Bar. Most in-house legal counsel roles in New York also expect prior experience at a law firm or government agency before moving into a corporate legal department.
How much do legal counsels make in New York?
Legal 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 legal counsels in New York?
Employers hiring legal counsels in New York right now include City of New York, Jobot, and Herbert Smith Freehills, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. New York's density of financial institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and multinational headquarters makes it one of the most varied in-house legal markets in the country.
Which New York cities have the most legal counsel jobs?
The cities with the most legal counsel openings in New York are New York, New York, and Manhattan. New York City dominates because of its concentration of corporate headquarters, investment banks, and global law firm offices, while Albany draws openings tied to state government agencies and regulated industries, and Buffalo has grown as regional financial and healthcare institutions expand their in-house legal teams.
Are there remote legal counsel jobs in New York?
Yes, and more than many legal roles allow. About 31% of legal counsel openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the desk-based and advisory nature of in-house counsel work. Contract review, compliance advising, and policy drafting are the functions most commonly offered on a fully remote or hybrid basis by New York employers.
How can I get hired as a legal counsel in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a clerkship or government fellowship, with positions at the New York Attorney General's Office and New York City Law Department regularly open to recent law school graduates. Large New York employers such as major financial institutions and hospital systems hire associate counsel or junior legal analyst roles where new admittees can build in-house experience. A New York State Bar admission in hand, combined with any externship or clinic work in corporate or regulatory practice, gives candidates a clear advantage over those still awaiting bar results.
Where can I find and apply to legal counsel jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to legal counsel jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to New York employers. Search for roles that match your practice area and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
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