Assistant or Associate Counsel

Binghamton University; City of Binghamton (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Binghamton University seeks an Assistant or Associate Campus Counsel to support SUNY System Administration and provide legal guidance to the campus. Located in Albany, the role covers contracts, procurement, real estate, student affairs, policy, and compliance across the SUNY system.

The attorney will work under the Chief Campus Counsel and collaborate with OGC colleagues to deliver timely legal services to the University and its stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA‑accredited law school or foreign equivalent.
• Admission to the New York State Bar or eligibility within six months of appointment.
• Minimum two years of legal practice; three years for Associate Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, negotiate, and advise on contracts, procurement, real estate, leases, and data use agreements.
• Provide legal advice on student affairs, governance, compliance, and institutional policies.
• Assist with regulatory inquiries, litigation-related matters, and cross‑SUNY coordination.
• Advise campus leadership and administrators and coordinate with OGC colleagues.

Skills

Legal research

Written and oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Education

Juris Doctor degree

New York Bar admission or eligibility

Job description

About Binghamton University

Binghamton University is a premier public R1 research institution in the State University of New York (SUNY) system that unites more than 130 broadly interdisciplinary educational programs with some of the most vibrant research in the nation. Our unique character – shaped by our mission, outstanding academics, facilities, and community life – promotes extraordinary student success, research, and service; Binghamton University is where our students, faculty and staff thrive.

Working at Binghamton University is more than about having a great job – it is about having the opportunity to flourish in an exciting, engaging environment. Our faculty and staff appreciate Binghamton's collegial and inclusive culture and its commitment to excellence, education, innovation and civic engagement. Our diverse campus community contributes to our success.

Binghamton merges rigorous academics, distinguished faculty who value cutting-edge, and community-engaged research, teaching and service, exceptional staff, and ultramodern facilities to engage and challenge its 18,000+ students. Our high-achieving student body represents diverse experiences from first-generation college-goers to international students. Beyond their talent, these classmates share a desire to shape the future through technology, insight, intellectual exploration, and community service.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and in keeping with this commitment, we welcome all to apply, including veterans and persons with disabilities.

Job Description

Budget Title: Assistant Counsel/Associate Counsel (*Management/Confidential)

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal services and support to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor and senior officers for the State University of New York (SUNY) at SUNY System Administration in Albany, New York, as well as to the presidents and administrators of the campuses within the System. Under the leadership of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and the General Counsel, the SUNY Office of General Counsel is responsible for providing legal services to the System and the 29 state operated campuses. The OGC consists of more than 70 experienced higher education attorneys, paralegals and support staff located in Albany at the System Administration headquarters and in campus-based offices at the four University Centers, Health Science Centers, and various SUNY colleges.

The legal practice of the OGC involves a substantial array of topics, including public procurement, governance and ethics, legislation, health care, capital construction, public finance, labor grievances and arbitration, litigation oversight (the State's Attorney General defends litigation brought against the University), student affairs, and the use of real property, among others. The OGC represents the State University in interactions with State officials who may regulate the affairs of the State University, including the Attorney General, State Comptroller, the Governor and staff, and members of the State Legislature as well as other state and local agencies and entities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The State University of New York System Administration invites applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Campus Counsel within the Office of General Counsel. This position will be located at SUNY System Administration in Albany and will have a principal assignment supporting Binghamton University.

The Office of General Counsel operates as a single, systemwide legal office under the leadership of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel. Attorneys with principal campus assignments are members of the Office of General Counsel and work collaboratively with OGC colleagues across SUNY to provide consistent legal advice and services to the University.

Under the day-to-day direction of Binghamton University's Chief Campus Counsel, the Assistant or Associate Campus Counsel will provide legal advice and support on a broad range of matters affecting Binghamton University.

The Assistant or Associate Campus Counsel will advise campus leadership and administrators on matters including contracts and procurement, real estate, student affairs, athletics, research, facilities, employment, public records, regulatory compliance, institutional policy, litigation-related matters, and other operational and legal issues. The attorney will regularly coordinate with other OGC attorneys and subject‑matter experts to ensure the consistent delivery of legal services across SUNY.

Responsibilities will include, among other duties as assigned

• Reviewing, drafting, negotiating, and advising on contracts, procurement matters, real estate transactions, leases, licenses, data use agreements, affiliation and partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other institutional agreements
• Advising on procurement requirements, solicitation documents, emergency procurements, regulatory approvals, audits, and other matters involving State agencies and oversight entities
• Advising Binghamton University's Freedom of Information Law Records Access Officer on legal issues relating to records requests, applicable exemptions, document review, and response obligations
• Providing legal advice on student affairs, institutional policies, compliance, governance, and the interpretation and application of Binghamton University and SUNY policies and requirements and applicable State and federal law
• Assisting with administrative claims, regulatory inquiries, investigations, litigation‑related matters, and coordinated document review and response processes
• Conducting legal research and interpreting applicable local, State, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and requirements
• Advising and assisting in the development and implementation of Binghamton University policies, procedures, guidance, and training
• Working with Office of General Counsel colleagues on matters requiring cross‑functional or systemwide coordination

Direct Reports

• The successful candidate will not have any employees reporting to them.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited ABA law school (or foreign equivalent)
• Admission to the New York State Bar (or eligibility for admission within six months) and a strong academic background
• Minimum of 2 years of legal practice or relevant legal experience prior to beginning the position to be considered for the Assistant Counsel title; a minimum of 3 years of legal practice or relevant experience to be considered for the Associate Counsel title

Preferred

• Experience advising higher education institutions, governmental entities, public authorities, or other public‑sector or regulated organizations
• Experience with contracts, procurement, student affairs, institutional policy, public records, regulatory compliance, administrative matters, or other legal issues affecting complex organizations
• Experience managing complex legal matters, regulatory inquiries, administrative claims, litigation‑related requests, or coordinated document review processes
• Experience with the New York Freedom of Information Law or comparable public records requirements
• Ability to provide practical legal advice to non‑lawyer clients and to work effectively with senior administrators and other institutional stakeholders
• Effective judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters
• Written and oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective analytical and legal research skills

Additional Information

• This position is located at SUNY System Administration in Albany, New York. The attorney will be a member of the SUNY Office of General Counsel, with a principal campus assignment supporting Binghamton University under the day‑to‑day direction of Binghamton University's Chief Campus Counsel. Travel to Binghamton University and other SUNY locations may be required.
• * Management/Confidential appointments serve at the pleasure of the President and are not represented by a union.
• Offers of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment background check and verification of degree(s) and credentials

Binghamton University is a tobacco‑free campus.

Payroll information can be found on our website https://www.binghamton.edu/offices/human‑resources/payroll/

Postings active on the website, accept applications until closure.

For information on the Dual Career Program, please visit: https://www.binghamton.edu/offices/human‑resources/prospective/dual‑career/index.html

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The State University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is the policy of Binghamton University to provide for and promote equal opportunity employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran or military service member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or arrest and/or criminal conviction record unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.

As required by Title IX and its implementing regulations Binghamton University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs and activities which it operates. This requirement extends to employment and admission. Inquiries about sex discrimination may be directed to the University Title IX Coordinator or directly to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and OCR, as well as the University's complete Non‑Discrimination Notice may be found here.

Binghamton University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator by completing the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.