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Senior Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mastercard, Inc.

Senior Counsel

Purchase, NY · On-site

$148K - $201K/yr

Title and Summary Senior Counsel WHO IS MASTERCARD? Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits ...

Catalent Pharma Solutions

Senior Counsel

Bridgewater, NJ

$142K - $193K/yr

Senior Counsel Position Summary: * Full time salaried position * Onsite based out of our Bridgewater, NJ location The Senior Counsel will be an important member of the Legal and Compliance Department ...

City of New York

Senior Counsel

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$152K - $207K/yr

The Office of the Chief Counsel to the Mayor and City Hall provides legal and strategic guidance to the Mayor and senior policymakers in City Hall on a broad range of matters, including policy ...

nLIGHT

Senior Counsel, Commercial

Camas, WA

Senior Counsel, Commercial Who We Are At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and ...

CMBG3 Law, P.C.

Senior Counsel

Boston, MA · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

The Senior Counsel will serve as a senior member of the litigation practice, handling complex matters while providing management, mentoring, and strategic oversight within the practice area. This ...

City of New York

Senior Counsel

Manhattan, NY

$152K - $207K/yr

The Office of the Chief Counsel to the Mayor and City Hall provides legal and strategic guidance to the Mayor and senior policymakers in City Hall on a broad range of matters, including policy ...

Johnsonville

Senior Counsel

Sheboygan Falls, WI

$144K - $195K/yr

Position Overview The Senior Counsel will play a key part in supporting our growing global Legal team. This role will offer broad exposure to legal operations across Johnsonville's presence in the ...

Catalent, Inc.

Senior Counsel

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$142K - $193K/yr

Senior Counsel Position Summary: * Full time salaried position * Onsite based out of our Bridgewater, NJ location The Senior Counsel will be an important member of the Legal and Compliance Department ...

nLIGHT

Senior Counsel, Commercial

Camas, WA

$170K - $200K/yr

Senior Counsel, Commercial Who We Are At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and ...

nLIGHT

Senior Counsel, Commercial

Camas, WA

$170K - $200K/yr

Senior Counsel, Commercial Who We Are At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and ...

MasterCard

Senior Counsel

Purchase, NY · On-site

$148K - $201K/yr

Title and Summary Senior Counsel WHO IS MASTERCARD? Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits ...

MasterCard

Senior Counsel

Miami, FL · On-site

$133K - $181K/yr

Title and Summary Senior Counsel Our Purpose Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're helping build a ...

Monitise

Senior Counsel

Coral Springs, FL

$132K - $180K/yr

As a Senior Counsel, you will provide legal support for litigation, disputes, government investigations, third-party legal requests, and related matters for consumer-facing payment products. You will ...

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How much do senior counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior counsel in the United States is $162,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,500.00 and $189,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Counsel vs Corporate Counsel?

AspectSenior CounselCorporate Counsel
CredentialsJD degree, bar admission, extensive legal experienceJD degree, bar admission, legal experience, often in corporate law
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, in-house legal teams, consultingIn-house legal departments within corporations
Employer & IndustryLaw firms, corporations, government agenciesPrimarily in corporations across various industries
Search & Comparison IntentLegal expertise, senior legal roles, law firm jobsIn-house legal roles, corporate legal department jobs

Senior Counsel and Corporate Counsel both require a JD, bar admission, and legal experience. Senior Counsel often works in law firms or consulting, providing expert legal advice, while Corporate Counsel is an in-house role within a company's legal department, focusing on corporate law matters. The main difference lies in their work environment and employer type, with Senior Counsel typically in external legal settings and Corporate Counsel within corporations.

What are some typical challenges faced by Senior Counsel when balancing legal risk and business objectives?

Senior Counsel often navigate the complex intersection of legal compliance and business strategy. A key challenge is providing solutions that protect the company from legal risk while enabling business goals and innovation. This requires strong negotiation skills, the ability to anticipate potential legal issues, and clear communication with both legal and non-legal stakeholders. Senior Counsel must also stay updated on rapidly changing laws and regulations, especially if the company operates internationally.

What Does a Senior Counsel Do?

A senior counsel is a lead attorney in a firm or legal department. As a senior counsel, your responsibilities involve providing legal advice, negotiating business terms on behalf of your employer, and representing a company, organization, or agency in court. You may also act as a liaison between a company, a legal team, and agencies such as regulators. In some positions, senior counsels only provide legal guidance and delegate tasks to other junior attorneys or legal staff.

What does a Senior Counsel do?

A Senior Counsel is an experienced attorney who provides advanced legal advice and representation to an organization or client. Their responsibilities often include overseeing complex legal matters, managing litigation, negotiating contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, and mentoring junior legal staff. Senior Counsel typically work closely with executives and other departments to minimize legal risks and support business objectives. They may also play a key role in developing and implementing company policies and legal strategies.

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

To thrive as a Senior Counsel, you need deep legal expertise, advanced analytical abilities, and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with bar admission, often complemented by significant experience in relevant practice areas. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in contract management or case management systems are typically required. Exceptional negotiation, leadership, and communication skills help Senior Counsel manage complex legal issues and guide teams or clients effectively. These competencies are vital for mitigating legal risks, ensuring compliance, and protecting an organization's interests.
More about Senior Counsel jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Counsel jobs? Cities with the most Senior Counsel job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Counsel jobs? The most popular types of Counsel jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Counsel jobs? The top employers for Senior Counsel jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Counsel jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Counsel jobs include:
Senior Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Counsel job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 49% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,987 per year, or $78.4 per hour.
Senior Counsel, Transactions - Environmental

Senior Counsel, Transactions - Environmental

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

New York, NY • On-site, Remote

$166K - $181K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Metropolitan Transportation Authority rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 76 rated public transport

Job description

Description
Position at MTA Headquarters
JOB TITLE:
Senior Counsel, Transactions - Environmental
SALARY RANGE:
Level I   $155,248
Level II  $166,116
Level III $181,066
DEPT/DIV:
Legal
SUPERVISOR:
Deputy General Counsel in Environmental Division 
LOCATION:
2 Broadway 
HOURS OF WORK:
9:00 AM- 5:30 PM
This position is eligible for telework. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation's largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. The MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding career opportunities.
Division and Position Overview:
 
The MTA Legal Department's Environmental Division is seeking a Senior Counsel I, II, or III to join the team, depending on their experience level as described below. The Environmental Division is responsible for providing legal advice and legal services regarding all environmental issues involving or affecting the MTA and its affiliated agencies.
 
As a Senior Counsel in the Environmental Division, the candidate will be responsible for MTA compliance with all environmental laws and regulations including, but not limited to, NEPA, CERCLA, RCRA, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, NYS SEQRA, and NYS Environmental Conservation Law and Regulations. This includes providing environmental legal advice; reviewing and drafting environmental provisions for contracts and agreements; leading settlement negotiations; and managing environmental litigation matters including directing outside counsel. 
The Senior Counsel may, depending on the Matter assigned, be asked to work collaboratively with:
  • MTA's Deputy General Counsels and all MTA Legal Department professional and administrative staff.
  • MTA Departments and Units/Offices, including Accessibility, Audit, Communications, Compliance/Ethics, Diversity and Civil Rights, Finance, Information Technology, Labor Relations, People, Procurement, Strategic Initiatives, and System Safety.
  • Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, and senior staff at New York City Transit, Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road, Bridges and Tunnels, and Construction and Development.
  • Federal, State or local administrative agencies.
  • Office of the MTA Inspector General.
Education and Experience: 
Level I-III:
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • JD from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in New York. 
  • A minimum of five (5) years of relevant law firm, public sector legal or in-house legal experience.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Public sector environmental legal experience, particularly in New York City or New York State.
  • Transportation sector experience.
  • History of successfully supervising or mentoring junior attorneys.
  • A record of communicating with and advising an organization's senior management.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
  • Strong legal research and writing ability.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface effectively with people at all levels of the organization and external parties.
  • Demonstrated knowledge base and practice skills relating to the various practice areas and responsibilities of this position.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills.
 
Other Information
May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)
Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.
According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
General Description (by Level I, II or III) of the Role of a Senior Counsel, Transactions:
The Senior Counsel, Transactions position reports a Deputy General Counsel or Assistant Deputy General Counsel in a Transactions Division in the consolidated MTA Legal Department. The current Transactions Divisions are the: 1) Condemnation Division, 2) Environmental Division, 3) Finance Division, 4) Procurement and Contracts Division, 5) Real Estate Development Division, 6) Real Estate Transactions and Operations Division, and 7) Special Projects Division.
    
Depending on the needs of the Legal Department and the Division, the duties of the Senior Counsel include representing the MTA and its operating agencies in transactions (contracts, agreements and associated documentation), client counseling, compliance, negotiations, dispute resolution, risk management, and (for Environmental & Condemnation Divisions) litigation matters which are of increasing complexity and involve increasing levels of responsibility and independence.  The duties of the Senior Counsel also include providing legal counsel on statutory, regulatory, agency policy, and other matters that pertain to or impact the operations and functions of the MTA and its affiliates and subsidiaries.
 
Senior Counsel - Levels I, II, and III
There are three levels of Senior Counsel positions within the Legal Department, each with progressively greater responsibilities. Depending on the level, responsibilities include:
  • Level I: Provides legal representation on complex transactional and compliance matters with limited supervision. Responsibilities include drafting and reviewing moderately complex agreements and contracts, conducting due diligence, advising on regulatory and policy issues, and managing risk. Handles moderately complex negotiations and dispute resolution, prepares authorizing documentation, and presents legal advice to mid-level and senior management. Occasionally supervises junior attorneys, interacts with outside counsel, and comments on legislative and regulatory proposals. For specialized divisions, they may assist with moderate litigation tasks such as discovery and appellate arguments.
  • Level II: Manages highly complex and sensitive matters with minimal supervision, including transactions with significant financial or policy exposure. Leads fast-paced negotiations, drafts and reviews multifaceted agreements, and oversees due diligence for complex deals. Handles disputes involving multiple parties, supervises junior attorneys and outside counsel, and, in specialized divisions, coordinates with outside counsel on litigation with major implications. Takes leadership in drafting agency rules, procedures, and proposed legislation, and drives complex settlement discussions. In specialized divisions, independently manages complex litigation tasks, including witness examinations at trial.
  • Level III: Operates with substantial independence on high-stakes, highly complex matters, providing strategic legal counsel and shaping overall transactions and dispute resolution strategies. Leads and closes voluminous negotiations, structures deals to meet business and legal objectives and innovates solutions for intricate conflicts and risks. Reviews and drafts contracts with significant programmatic impact, finalizes board-level documentation, and negotiates directly with regulators. In specialized divisions, directs the most complex or novel litigation matters through trial and appeal, often coordinating with outside counsel. Serves as a key advisor on policy, governance, and regulatory issues at the highest level.
 
Equal Employment Opportunity
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
 

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