Legal Operations Manager

Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has created some of New York’s most beloved restaurants, cafes, and bars, which offer outstanding food delivered with our signature warmth and hospitality. Founded by Danny Meyer with the opening of Union Square Cafe in 1985, the company now extends beyond the walls of its eateries. 

USHG has long supported its communities through hunger relief and civic organizations. USHG holds 28 James Beard Awards and numerous accolades for its distinctive style of hospitality.

Who you are:

The Legal Operations Manager is a key member of USHG's Legal Team, working directly with our restaurants, business leaders, and consulting business to ensure legal and compliance matters are handled professionally and efficiently. This role supports the Legal Team across a wide range of matters, including employment, intellectual property, real estate, corporate governance, litigation, commercial contracts, and more.

What you’ll do:

• Consistently deliver a culture of Enlightened Hospitality
• Gather information related to disputes and find practical solutions that work for everyone involved. Partner with outside counsel to support litigation when it comes up
• Maintain legal trackers spanning corporate governance, liquor licenses, contracts, and more
• Update business leaders regarding changes in the legal and regulatory landscape affecting our businesses, proposing business changes that address new requirements when warranted
• Coordinate, schedule, and participate in internal and external meetings
• Analyze legal and insurance claim trends and implement risk control measures accordingly
• Support our contract function. Facilitate information flow in contract negotiations. Draft demand letters and termination notices. Manage the Legal Team's digital databases ensuring that contracts and other documents are appropriately categorized and filed
• Work with our Legal Team to ensure that our businesses are appropriately formed and qualified to conduct business in accordance with applicable laws. Prepare materials relating to corporate governance, including amendments to operating agreements, DBA certificates, and more
• Obtain and maintain permits, licenses, and registrations (including liquor licenses)
• Partner with the Tech Team to leverage AI and other tools to streamline workflows and keep the Legal Team organized
• Manage legal billing and generate spend reports to keep our team on budget
• Take on additional responsibilities and perform other duties as needed to support business objectives and operational success

What we need from you:

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills
• Sound, pragmatic judgment and strategic thinking
• Ability to self-start, handle a fast-paced environment, and take ownership over workstreams
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
• 2+ years of experience in a legal assistant, paralegal, or project management role is a plus.

What you’ll get from us:

At Union Square Hospitality Group, we believe our people are our greatest ingredient. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As a Legal Operations Manager, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay and bonus potential : Annual compensation of $70,000 - $85,000 plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus, with consideration for your experience and impact
• Comprehensive health coverage:  Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work
• Investing in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long-term savings
• Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services.
• Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship
• Hospitality perks: Annual dining credit and a 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants
• Convenience & flexibility: Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking
• Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality.

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together.

• We play to win with humble swagger.  Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong
• Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dots  to build uplifting experiences and relationships
• Center the salt shaker  with an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most
• Write a great next chapter.  The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled
• Bring a charitable assumption  and err on the side of generosity
• Leave our campsite better than we found it;  always responsible for the impact of our wake

*The above represents the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors in determining your pay.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.