Legal Counsel

Job Title: Legal CounselLocation: New York (Hybrid Working Model) About Springer NatureSpringer 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, werecognisethatgreat talentdevelops 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 andlong termgrowth in mind. About the RoleThe 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 locationstrategy 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. * Coordi