Associate General Counsel

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things. Success at SOM Means Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm. Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge. Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work. Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm. Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential. Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Position Responsibilities

• Assists with the preparation and review of firm-wide contracts, proposals and agreements including drafting, negotiations, receiving and tracking necessary approvals, execution and archiving.
• Assists with the development, communication and successful adoption of processes, procedures and policies around contract administration with cross-functional partners and internal/external clients.
• Assists with the development and application of practices and policies and provides subsequent training as required.
• Partners with Human Resources in the application and enforcement of Affermiative Action and EEO regulations.
• Demonstrated understanding of the law and legal principles necessary to provide legal services to the firm.
• Understandings developments and trends in the areas of practice and demonstrates ability to identify and gather information from legal and related sources.
• Identifies and analyzes legal issues, drafts key documents and presents clear recommendations.
• Advises managers on a wide variety of legal matters providing support on concerns, negotiations and regulatory issues.
• Maintains compliance with government and industry law requirements for firm operations and assists with training as required.
• Assists with the management of the SOM entity structure as well as the acquisition of appropriate licensure, certifications and authorizations as required to conduct business in various countries and locations.
• Performs other tasks and responsibilities as may be required.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Actively leads multiple projects and teams.
• Established as a officewide resource in an area of expertise for market, discipline, or department.
• Directly supervises, trains, and mentors team members.
• Engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through resume review, interviews, and leveraging personal network.
• Demonstrates leadership in the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.
• Creates and drives new ways of working through contributing to the development of services, standards, procedures based in an understanding of the business principles that protect SOM from financial and legal risk.

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• 1 year of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities, preferably in an architectural/contracting environment.
• Licensed to practice law in the state of New York.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Ability to establish trust and credibility across the firm with all levels of stakeholders.
• Multi-tasking skills and ability to remain effective and patient under pressure.
• Independent, proactive, detail-oriented and self-reliant.
• Must be able to collaborate and function in a fast-paced team oriented workplace.
• Computer skills required with knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $200,000 to $245,000.

Benefits

• We offer medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and accident insurance.
• We also offer retirement support, free access to employee assistance programs for employees and family members, workplace flexibility, paid holidays, family leave, and paid time off.
• We reimburse costs for professional licenses, certifications, and exams, and offer specialized, in-house career development and mentorship programs designed to help you advance your knowledge and expertise.

SOM is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and we have been recognized with the highest ranking awarded on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.

We publish an annual Impact Report as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing equity in our practice and the profession.

Working at SOM

Our practice was built to champion inclusivity of expertise, people, and ideas. Together, we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that equips our teams to face new challenges. Our studio culture offers opportunities for mentorship, growth, and leadership across project teams, offices, and employee resource groups.

For more about SOM:

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global practice of architects, engineers, and planners renowned for designing buildings, interiors, and public spaces that push the boundaries of technical and environmental innovation. Our interdisciplinary teams collaborate across an international network of studios to deliver projects of lasting impact. Through our built work, research, and advocacy, we are advancing strategies to decarbonize the built environment.