Legal Counsel

Job Title: Legal Counsel

Location: New York (Hybrid Working Model)

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and follow @SpringerNature

At Springer Nature, we recognise that great talent develops through many different paths. We encourage applications from individuals with strong transferable skills, provided they are supported by relevant experience that shows how those skills have been successfully applied in practice. Our hiring approach balances skills, experience, and potential to ensure each role is fulfilled with both short term effectiveness and long term growth in mind. 

About the Role

The Legal Counsel functions as part of an integrated global team with the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of Springer Nature both regionally and globally. Reporting to the Head of Legal (North America), this role supports development of best-in-class internal legal support for the Americas, as part of a proactive and agile licensing and commercial team. The Legal Counsel also plays a key role in collaborating with colleagues in the global legal organization to support Springer Nature businesses and functions through a business partner approach. This role also has the potential to expand over time to include publishing work with our editorial team and support for other segments of the business.

The location strategy supports team structure and aligns business needs.

Role Responsibilities:

• Support Head of Legal (North America) with all US related matters including building a strong and well recognized US legal team.
• Partner with the Legal Director for Sales to draft, negotiate, and manage complex licensing agreements with academic, corporate, and government customers across North and South America, building trusted relationships with stakeholders while balancing commercial objectives, legal risk, and customer needs.
• Support global sales and licensing activities by providing commercially focused legal guidance, exercising sound judgment, managing ambiguity, and delivering practical solutions in a fast-paced and evolving business environment.
• Review, draft, negotiate, and advise on a broad range of commercial agreements, including contracts relating to the acquisition, licensing, protection, and exploitation of intellectual property rights, applying strong negotiation skills, commercial awareness, and attention to detail.
• Partner with Legal Director AI, Data & Technology to work in AI related questions and contracts.
• Serve as a trusted legal advisor and business partner by providing clear, accessible, and commercially sensitive advice across a broad range of legal matters, including commercial contracts, intellectual property, data privacy, artificial intelligence, licensing, compliance, and regulatory issues.
• Influence decision-making by providing strategic legal guidance and risk assessments to senior stakeholders, including the VP of Sales, Americas, translating complex legal considerations into practical business recommendations.
• Support litigation, subpoenas, internal investigations, and dispute resolution matters, including civil, commercial, regulatory, and employment-related claims, demonstrating strong case management skills, resilience, and sound legal judgment when handling sensitive and high-risk matters.
• Coordinate discovery activities, including document preservation, collection, review, and production, ensuring compliance with legal obligations while effectively managing competing priorities and stakeholder expectations.
• Review and analyze pleadings, motions, subpoenas, regulatory inquiries, and other litigation-related documents to identify legal risks, assess potential business impacts, and support effective litigation and resolution strategies.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external counsel to develop and implement litigation and dispute resolution strategies that balance legal exposure, operational considerations, reputational risk, and business objectives.
• Monitor litigation and investigation matters, managing deadlines, budgets, external counsel performance, and reporting requirements while providing concise and actionable updates to senior leadership.
• Support legal matters involving emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital products, data use, and evolving regulatory frameworks, enabling the business to innovate while managing legal and compliance risks.
• Contribute to the continuous development of legal best practices, knowledge-sharing initiatives, templates, and processes that enhance the effectiveness, consistency, and strategic value of legal support across the organization.
• Deliver training and guidance to commercial and sales teams throughout the Americas on contract negotiation, licensing, compliance, legal risk management, and related topics, communicating complex concepts in a practical and engaging manner.
• Build collaborative partnerships across legal, commercial, publishing, technology, and corporate functions, fostering trust, managing competing stakeholder interests, and helping drive successful business outcomes.
• Undertake additional responsibilities and special projects as reasonably required to support departmental objectives and evolving business needs.

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admitted Attorney and member in good standing of the New York State Bar
• Minimum 4+ years legal experience at a law firm or in-house with general corporate, commercial, intellectual property and technology matters
• Experience drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and advising on a broad range of commercial agreements
• Experience supporting litigation, disputes, investigations, subpoenas, regulatory inquiries, and/or working with external counsel on litigation matters
• Familiarity with legal issues relating to artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, data usage, intellectual property, and regulatory developments

• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives

• Ability to provide practical, clear, accurate, and consistent legal advice to a diverse range of stakeholders
• Proven ability to influence decision-making, build alignment, and establish trusted business partnerships across functions
• Strong legal research, analytical, drafting, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with an open communication style and confidence engaging with stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Efficient, organized, and detail-oriented, with a commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Self-motivated team player with a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach
• High level of integrity, sound judgment, and professional ethics

• Publishing and media law, including copyright, defamation, rights of privacy and publicity, internet and social media an advantage but not required
• Language proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese is a plus but not required
• State and Federal contracting experience a plus but not required

Springer Nature US provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes the benefit offerings listed below:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401(k) with company match and contribution
• Hybrid office working policy, Summer Hours, and paid time off
• Flexible Spending and Commuter programs
• Multiple Life insurance options
• Disability coverage
• Tuition Assistance
• Voluntary benefits: Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Legal Assistance Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Family friendly benefits and a variety of employee discounts
• An array of Employee Social Networks

US Annualized Base Salary Range: $150,000 - $175,000. This role is eligible for an annual performance-related bonus plan. The salary offer may vary based on work experience, education, skill level, and equity. The US salary range does not align with the salary ranges in other countries when converted to the currency of that country.

Springer Nature is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with the laws and regulations set forth in the following https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf poster.

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation. Find out more about our DEI work here: https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/

Why work here?

We are an ambitious and dynamic organisation, and home to some of the best-known names in research, educational and professional publishing.

Working at the heart of a changing industry, we are always looking for great people who care about delivering quality to our customers and the communities we work alongside. In return, you will find that we open the doors to discovery for all our employees – offering opportunities to learn from some of the best in the business, with a culture that encourages curiosity and empowers people to find solutions and act on their instincts. Whether you are at the beginning of your career or are an experienced professional, we invite you to find out more about the roles we offer and explore our current vacancies.

About Us

We are a global and progressive business, founded on a heritage of trusted and respected brands – including Springer, founded in 1842, Macmillan, founded in 1843 and Nature, first published in 1869.

Nearly two centuries of progress and advancement in science and education have helped shape the business we are today. Research and learning continues to be the cornerstone of progress, and we will continue to open doors to discovery through trusted brands and innovative products and services. Springer Nature Group was created in May 2015 through the combination of Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Education and Springer Science+Business Media.