What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate or Senior Counsel, Litigation and Labor position at The State University of New York?
Location: Albany, NY Category: Professional Positions Posted On: Wed Mar 18 2026 Job Description:
About The Office Of General Counsel
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 at Albany, New York, and 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 and staff as well as other state and local agencies and entities.
Job Duties And Responsibilities
The State University of New York System Administration, located in Albany, New York invites applications for the position of Associate or Senior Counsel - Litigation and Labor. As a staff member of the Office of the General Counsel, the Associate or Senior Counsel - Litigation and Labor will assume responsibilities to provide comprehensive legal services and guidance to the State University and its State-operated campuses on issues related to federal or state litigation where one or more SUNY campuses are named; assist with the management of litigation and disputes across the System, including, labor arbitrations and other administrative proceedings (Division of Human Rights, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Office of Civil Rights, etc.); draft responses, including position statements, argue before administrative law judges in administrative proceedings; manage employment/labor issues and other complex and emerging issues affecting the System; liaise with the NYS Attorney General's Office and outside counsel; negotiate and evaluate settlement requests; oversee discovery; prepare witnesses for depositions, arbitrations and trials; coordinate with the NYS Inspector General's Office and SUNY campuses in investigations of misconduct; and other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
Required Qualifications:
SUNY System Administration Benefits
SUNY System Administration provides an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family through the many life changes you may experience while you work for SUNY. Our nationally recognized benefits include:
About The Office Of General Counsel
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 at Albany, New York, and 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 and staff as well as other state and local agencies and entities.
Job Duties And Responsibilities
The State University of New York System Administration, located in Albany, New York invites applications for the position of Associate or Senior Counsel - Litigation and Labor. As a staff member of the Office of the General Counsel, the Associate or Senior Counsel - Litigation and Labor will assume responsibilities to provide comprehensive legal services and guidance to the State University and its State-operated campuses on issues related to federal or state litigation where one or more SUNY campuses are named; assist with the management of litigation and disputes across the System, including, labor arbitrations and other administrative proceedings (Division of Human Rights, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Office of Civil Rights, etc.); draft responses, including position statements, argue before administrative law judges in administrative proceedings; manage employment/labor issues and other complex and emerging issues affecting the System; liaise with the NYS Attorney General's Office and outside counsel; negotiate and evaluate settlement requests; oversee discovery; prepare witnesses for depositions, arbitrations and trials; coordinate with the NYS Inspector General's Office and SUNY campuses in investigations of misconduct; and other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
Required Qualifications:
- J.D. degree from an accredited ABA law school.
- Admission to the New York State Bar in good standing (or eligibility for admission within six months) and a strong academic background.
- This position requires 5 years of legal practice or relevant experience prior to beginning the position.
- Substantial background in litigation and/or labor and employment issues.
- Significant experience advising clients on complex litigation and/or labor and employment issues.
- Superior written and oral communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to present complex legal concepts to diverse, non-legal professionals.
- Experience coordinating large scale document production in discovery and e-discovery.
- Legal experience in an academic setting or government law office.
- Experience in preparing and providing legal training to lawyers and non-legal professionals on various legal and compliance issues.
- Strong analytical and legal research skills.
- Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, training, and certifications.
- The range as an Associate Counsel position is $132,000 - $187,000.
- The range as a Senior Counsel position is $139,000 - $198,000.
- Excellent Benefit Package which includes: NYS health insurance, free dental and vision coverage, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance, parental leave at full pay, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday time. 13 days of paid holidays per year; 21 days of vacation and 21 days of sick time accrued each year. Please see our Management/Confidential benefits summary for additional information.
- Management/Confidential appointments work under the leadership and discretion of the appointing authority and are not represented by a union.
- This position is located in Albany, New York. Limited telecommuting may be available. Some travel may be required depending on the needs of clients.
- Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and verification of degree(s) and credentials.
SUNY System Administration Benefits
SUNY System Administration provides an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family through the many life changes you may experience while you work for SUNY. Our nationally recognized benefits include:
- Retirement: The choice between a fully funded pension plan and a self-driven defined contribution plan, along with two supplemental plans to increase your ability to save for retirement.
- Health Insurance: Several health insurance options at an affordable cost that provide full coverage without mandatory deductibles.
- Time Off: Paid time off with separate vacation and sick leave accruals up to 21 days a year for each category.
- Additional paid leave policy options for childbirth, adoption, elder care, and other family care situations.
- Flexible Working Arrangements: Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid schedules, are available depending on position.
Salary : $132,000 - $187,000