The position of Legal Counsel reports to the Director of the Garden. The general responsibilities include providing advice and support to Garden management with respect to transactional matters, legal and administrative compliance, and litigation matters.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Negotiating, drafting, and reviewing contracts, leases, MOU's, professional service agreements, and other legal agreements on behalf of the Garden. Contracts will involve vendors, consultants, and donors in the following areas: Capital Projects, Exhibitions, Development, Sponsorships, Education, Science, Publishing, Licensing, Site Operations, Communications/Public Relations, Real estate purchase and property management.
Advising on institutional compliance with relevant laws and regulations in areas such as exempt organizations, tax, federal and state grant guidelines, lobbying, environmental, and human relations.
Advising the board and senior management on corporate governance issues, including bylaws and resolutions.
Managing relationships with various outside counsel, including general corporate matters, real estate, and litigation defense.
Providing assistance to the Finance Department regarding insurance issues; working with outside insurance defense firms regarding discovery and depositions.
Managing trademark portfolio with outside counsel, and advising with respect to copyright and patent issues.
Performing other duties as required.
EOE/M/F/Disabled/Veteran
Must be a graduate of an accredited law school with at least 10 years of experience and licensed to practice law in New York State. Incumbent must remain a member of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
Excellent interpersonal skills are required, and must be able to manage numerous projects simultaneously, with minimal supervision.
Must be well-organized and possess superior written and oral communication skills.
Must be able to work in a fast paced, demanding environment.
Experience in a cultural not-for-profit environment preferred.
The New York Botanical Garden is an iconic living museum committed to better understanding of, and preserving, our natural world. Garden employees and volunteers are advocates for the plant kingdom and support our mission in diverse roles across our grounds and the world. Since 1891, this dedicated NYBG community has helped create one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world. Please explore the links below to learn more about career, internship, and volunteer opportunities at NYBG.
