Legal Contracts Counsel, Commercial Contracts - Assistant Director

At EY, you'll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we're counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Legal Contracts Counsel, Commercial Contracts – Assistant Director

The Commercial Contracts Counsel is a member of the Ernst & Young LLP (EY) U.S. General Counsel's Office (GCO), negotiates services and related technology agreements across EY's Service Lines and provides related legal support. In addition to traditional consulting services, agreements may include large, complex technology contracts, managed services and outsourcing, as well as emerging technologies.

The opportunity

The role involves the negotiation of legal terms and conditions in various commercial agreements and contracts with third parties (including professional services agreements, technology services agreements, hosting agreements and SaaS agreements), and providing related advice to address, manage and mitigate identified risks. The work is complex and requires sound experience in professional services, technology, software licenses, contract drafting, privacy issues, intellectual property (including joint development and complex licensing arrangements) and the negotiation of large, complex deals. This role reports to the GCO Atlanta Team Lead.

Your key responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts with third parties (including master service agreements, professional services agreements, NDAs, outsourcing agreements, technology services agreements, systems implementation agreements, hosting agreements and SaaS agreements) and evaluating third party agreement templates against EY standards

• Providing practical advice and guidance to internal clients and stakeholders, and developing solutions to issues while effectively managing legal and practical business considerations

• Working collaboratively with internal clients to develop strategies to address identified issues

• Advising client engagement teams and the relevant Service Line leaders of the key legal risks of the proposed project or contract, including the legal and regulatory issues that need to be addressed early in the process

• Coordinating with cross functional teams (tax, independence, information security) and legal colleagues (data privacy, employment, alliance) in order to provide a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management

• When considering items with implications beyond the EY U.S. firm, consulting with legal counsel in other member firms around the world to explain the objective of the activity, the data or personnel that will be impacted, how risks will be mitigated and managed; and addressing any remaining local issues with the affected member firms, the counterparty and other stakeholders

• Interpreting and explaining contract terms and conditions for internal clients and stakeholders

• Confirming that contracts are compliant with EY policies and maintaining an understanding of the impact of any changes in EY's policies, organizational structure and procedures

• Contractually protecting EY's intellectual property to prevent loss/infringement by third parties

• Providing input and feedback concerning GCO contracting procedures

• Effectively managing workflow, including multiple projects, in a proactive and highly responsive manner

Skills and attributes for success

• Excellent organizational skills; demonstrated ability to create, plan and successfully execute projects; and the ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast–paced environment

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to interface and communicate effectively and diplomatically with all levels of EY personnel

• Experience with negotiation techniques, transactional analysis, contract law, IP, commercial agreements and workload/project management

• Excellent negotiation, drafting and interpersonal skills, with high degree of cultural and emotional intelligence

• Ability to understand, and accurately articulate and document, complex concepts

• Ability to assess size and scope of contemplated transactions and to tailor approach accordingly

• Understanding of when to consult with and seek the input of others

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks with competing deadlines

• Ability to foster teamwork and maintain effective working relationships with internal clients/stakeholders

• Responsiveness with ability to manage high workload volumes efficiently and effectively

• Commercial, solution–oriented thinking, with a focus on exceptional client service

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4–year college

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school

• Approximately 3 – 7 or more years of relevant work experience in a related role, with a particular emphasis on commercial matters

• Membership in a State Bar as an attorney; qualified to practice law as an in–house attorney in Georgia

• Good standing with the State Bar, including being current on individual state Continuing Legal Education requirements

Ideally, you'll also have

• Provide advice based on the appropriate balance of risk mitigation and business interests on a real–time basis

• Use of independent judgment and thinking applied to resolution of issues

• Escalate identified key issues and contractual provisions in accordance with EY policies/protocols

• Work independently on projects, with limited direction, and draw upon knowledge and experience to deliver quality risk management

• The Commercial Contracts Counsel will receive general direction from his/her supervisor and should consult with the supervisor when dealing with complex or high–risk issues

• This role is expected to work independently and should be comfortable proceeding based on guidance and general direction rather than hands–on micro management and supervision

• This position may also contribute to training and development of team members

What we look for

We're interested in agile individuals who have critical thinking skills along with a strong business acumen and deep knowledge of the law.

What we offer

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to the business. The salary range for this job in most geographic locations in the US is $120,800 to $219,200. The salary range for New York City Metro Area, Washington State and California (excluding Sacramento) is $144,900 to $249,100. Individual salaries within those ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills and geography. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options. Under our flexible vacation policy, you'll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You'll also be granted time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well–being.

• Continuous learning: You'll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We'll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We'll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You'll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

The exceptional EY experience. It's yours to build.

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