1

Legal Counsel Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Legal Counsel

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$140 - $180/hr

Legal Counsel - Hybrid, Cary, North Carolina We'rea leader in data and AI. Through our software and services, we inspire customers around the world to transform data into intelligence - and questions ...

New

Legal Counsel Please do not apply if you are not Raleigh-based and have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school with active admission to practice law in North Carolina (NC bar or eligible ...

Legal Counsel Please do not apply if you are not Raleigh-based and have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school with active admission to practice law in North Carolina (NC bar or eligible ...

Legal Counsel - Hybrid, Cary, North Carolina We're a leader in data and AI. Through our software and services, we inspire customers around the world to transform data into intelligence - and ...

New

Legal Counsel

Cary, NC ยท On-site

Legal Counsel - Hybrid, Cary, North Carolina We're a leader in data and AI. Through our software and services, we inspire customers around the world to transform data into intelligence - and ...

New

Legal Counsel

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Hazen and Sawyer seeks Legal Counsel for our Raleigh, NC office. This attorney will partner with project teams and leadership to support commercial contracting, technology transactions, risk ...

Hazen and Sawyer seeks Legal Counsel for our Raleigh, NC office. This attorney will partner with project teams and leadership to support commercial contracting, technology transactions, risk ...

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC ยท Hybrid

$129K - $175K/yr

The Senior Legal Counsel role offers growth potential opportunities, professional development, an engaging team environment and amazing benefits. What You'll be Doing: The Senior Legal Counsel will ...

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC ยท Hybrid

$129K - $175K/yr

The Senior Legal Counsel role offers growth potential opportunities, professional development, an engaging team environment and amazing benefits. What You'll be Doing: The Senior Legal Counsel will ...

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC ยท Hybrid

$129K - $175K/yr

The Senior Legal Counsel role offers growth potential opportunities, professional development, an engaging team environment and amazing benefits. What You'll be Doing: The Senior Legal Counsel will ...

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$129K - $175K/yr

The Senior Legal Counsel will provide legal advice and guidance on a wide variety of commercial, contractual, regulatory, litigation and day-to-day legal matters, with a particular focus on the ...

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC

$129K - $175K/yr

The Senior Legal Counsel will provide legal advice and guidance on a wide variety of commercial, contractual, regulatory, litigation and day-to-day legal matters, with a particular focus on the ...

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC

$129K - $175K/yr

The Senior Legal Counsel will provide legal advice and guidance on a wide variety of commercial, contractual, regulatory, litigation and day-to-day legal matters, with a particular focus on the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Legal Counsel information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$28

$58

How much do legal counsel jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal counsel in Raleigh, NC is $28.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a legal counsel do?

A Legal Counsel is a qualified lawyer who provides legal advice and support to an organization, ensuring its operations comply with laws and regulations. They draft, review, and negotiate contracts, manage legal risks, and represent the company in legal matters. Legal Counsel also advises on employment law, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and other business activities. Their role is crucial in helping organizations avoid legal pitfalls and make informed business decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a legal counsel, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Legal Counsel, you need a law degree, bar admission, and strong expertise in legal research, compliance, and contract drafting. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and regulatory compliance platforms is typically required. Excellent negotiation, analytical thinking, and communication skills help you interpret laws and advise stakeholders effectively. These competencies are vital for mitigating risks, ensuring legal compliance, and protecting the organization's interests.

What are some common challenges legal counsel face when balancing risk management with business objectives?

Legal Counsel often need to navigate the delicate balance between protecting the organization from legal risks and enabling business growth. This involves interpreting complex regulations, providing clear guidance to non-legal colleagues, and sometimes advising on decisions where the legal path may not fully align with business goals. Successful Legal Counsel build strong relationships with internal teams and develop practical solutions that meet both compliance requirements and operational objectives. Open communication and proactive risk assessment are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Legal Counsel vs Legal Advisor?

AspectLegal CounselLegal Advisor
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar admissionJuris Doctor (JD), Bar admission (often optional)
Work EnvironmentIn-house legal department, corporate settingsConsulting firms, law firms, corporate advisory roles
Employer & Industry UsageCorporations, large organizationsLaw firms, consulting agencies, corporate clients
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Legal Counsel typically works within a company's legal department, providing ongoing legal advice and handling corporate legal matters. Legal Advisors often offer specialized legal guidance on specific issues, frequently working as external consultants or in advisory roles. While both roles require legal credentials, Legal Counsel usually has a more permanent in-house position, whereas Legal Advisors may work on a project basis.

Are legal counsel jobs in high demand?

Legal counsel jobs are generally in steady demand due to ongoing needs for legal expertise across industries, including corporate, healthcare, and technology sectors. Employment growth for legal professionals is expected to be around 10% over the next decade, reflecting a consistent need for legal advice and compliance skills.

What are the career paths for legal counsel?

Legal counsel can advance to senior or lead counsel roles, specialize in areas such as corporate, intellectual property, or compliance law, or move into executive positions like general counsel or chief legal officer. They may also transition into roles in management, consulting, or legal academia, often requiring additional experience, certifications, or advanced degrees.

What are the most commonly searched types of Legal Counsel jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Legal Counsel jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What job categories do people searching Legal Counsel jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Legal Counsel jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Legal Counsel jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Legal Counsel job openings:

Infographic showing various Legal Counsel job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,640 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Legal Counsel

Sas

Cary, NC โ€ข On-site

$140 - $180/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Legal Counsel - Hybrid, Cary, North Carolina

Weโ€™rea leader in data and AI. Through our software and services, we inspire customers around the world to transform data into intelligence - and questions into answers.

Ifyou'relooking for a dynamic, fulfilling career with flexibility anda world-class employee experience,you'llfind it here.We'rerecognized around the world for our inclusive, meaningful culture and innovative technologies by organizations like Fast Company, Forbes, Newsweek and more.

About the job

The Legal team is looking for a Legal Counsel to work closely with and under the guidance of a Senior Attorney. You willassistin providing legal advice and operational support on AI, cybersecurity, open-source software, and other emerging technology matters across SAS. You will perform a full range of legal services andmaintaina diverse workload, with work on AI governance, AI regulatory compliance, and emerging technology legal support, and related responsibility for cybersecurity and open-source software matters.

The primary emphasis for this role is helping to align the company's products, services, and internal technology with applicable legal rules related to AI, cybersecurity, and open source.The role is designed for someone who can work with technical teams, translate complex requirements into practical guidance, and help SAS move quickly while preserving trust and accountability.

As a Legal Counsel, you will:

  • Support the Senior Attorney inadvising onAI regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, open-source software, and emerging technology matters across SAS.
  • Assist R&D, CIS, Sales, Privacy, Compliance, and other stakeholders in helping translate and implement evolving legal and regulatory requirements related to AI, cybersecurity, open-source software, and emerging technologies into practical guidance, workflows, controls, and scalable processes.
  • Support legal review and analysis of AI and generative AI features throughout the product lifecycle, including regulatory requirements, transparency obligations, and launch-readiness considerations.
  • Assist with the review and negotiation of contracts involvingAI-enabled software and services, data use restrictions, generative AI, emerging technology, and cybersecurity matters in customer negotiations, procurement contracts, questionnaires, and strategic transactions, escalating novel or complex issues as appropriate.
  • Support in advising on cybersecurity legal matters, including product security, vulnerability disclosures, software supply chain issues, secure development practices, and customer security requirements.
  • Develop and maintain playbooks, templates, training materials, FAQs, and other scalable resources to help Legal and business teams address recurring technology-related legal issues consistently and efficiently, in coordination with transactional teams.
  • Manage assigned legal matters and projects under the supervision of the Senior Attorney and other senior members of the Legal team.
  • Ensure all applicable security policies and processes are followed to support the organization's secure software development goals.
  • Embrace curiosity, passion, authenticity and accountability. These are our values and influence everything we do.
Required qualifications
  • Typicallyrequires a minimum of five years of relevant legal experience.
  • Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited U.S. law school or equivalent legal education outside the U.S., which qualifies someone to work in an in-house Legal Department as an attorney.
  • Licensed to practice law by being admitted to and a member in good standing of at least one state bar.
  • 1-2 years of experience interpreting and implementing U.S. and global technology, AI, cybersecurity, software, privacy, or regulatory requirements in a business environment.
  • 1-2yearsofexperience negotiating and drafting complex commercial agreements, including software, SaaS, cloud services, technology licensing, data processing, professional services, procurement, or other technology-related transactions.
  • Ability to advise technical, product, security, procurement, sales, and business stakeholders on complex legal issues in a practical and business-oriented manner.
  • Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered in place of the requirements stated above.
Additionalcompetencies,knowledgeand skills
  • Prior experience supporting software, SaaS, cloud, AI, cybersecurity, data, or other technology companies.
  • Experience advising on AI governance, generative AI, AI regulatory compliance, AI risk management, or responsible AI initiatives.
  • Experience supporting technology transactions, commercial negotiations, vendor reviews, or procurement matters involving AI-enabled technologies.
  • Experience advising on cybersecurity, product security, incident response, vulnerability disclosure, software supply-chain security, or related regulatory requirements.
  • Experience with open-source software licensing, contribution agreements, or related compliance matters.
  • Experience counseling product, engineering, or R&D teams throughout the software development lifecycle.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop guidance, playbooks, policies, training materials, or processes addressing recurring legal issues.
  • Familiarity with AI, cybersecurity, software development, and emerging technologies.
  • Building Trusted Relationships - Using appropriate interpersonal styles to establish effective relationships with customers and internal partners; interacting with others in a way that promotes openness and trust and gives them confidence in oneโ€™s intentions.
  • Collaborating - Working cooperatively with others to help a team or work group achieve its goals.
  • Communication - Conveying information and ideas clearly and concisely to individuals or groups in an engaging manner that helps them understand and retain the message; listening actively to others
World-class benefits

Highlights include...

  • Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental and vision plans.
  • Medical plan options include:
  • PPO with low annual deductible and copays.
  • HDHP combined with a health savings account with a contribution from SAS (no access to on-site health care center).
  • Onsite Health Care Center (HQ) thatโ€™s free to employees and family members enrolled in the PPO plan. There's a Pharmacy too! Not local to HQ? The pharmacy will ship prescriptions for no additional charge!
  • An industry-leading 401k plan.
  • Tuition Assistance Program and programs and resources to support your development
  • Generous time away including vacation time, a variety of paid holidays, and our much-loved U.S. Winter Wellness Break between December 25 and January 1.
  • Volunteer Time Off, parental leave and unlimited paid sick days.
  • Generous childcare benefits for all full-time employees.
You are welcome here.

At SAS,itโ€™snot about fitting into our culture โ€“itโ€™sabout adding to it. We believe our people makethedifference. Our inclusive workforce brings together unique talents and inspires teams to create amazing software that reflects the diversity of our users and customers.

Additional Information:

To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status. SAS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to anycharacteristicprotected by law. Read more:Know Your Rights.

Resumes may be considered in the order they are received.SAS employees performing certain job functions may require access to technology or software subject to export or import regulations.To comply with these regulations, SAS may obtain nationality or citizenship information from applicants for employment.SAS collects this information solely for trade law compliance purposes and does not use it to discriminate unfairly in the hiring process.

SAS only sends emails from verified โ€œsas.comโ€ email addresses and never asks for sensitive, personal information or money. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of any type of communication from, or on behalf of SAS, please contactRecruitingsupport@sas.com.

#SAS

#J-18808-Ljbffr