Senior Legal Counsel, Employment & Transactions

Company Overview

Samsung SDS is the digital arm of the Samsung group and a global provider of cloud and digital transformation innovations. Samsung SDS delivers enterprise-grade solutions and services in cloud, secure mobility, analytics / AI, digital marketing and digital workspace. We enable our customers in government, financial services, healthcare, and other industries to drive business in a hyper-connected economy helping them to increase productivity, safeguard assets, and make smarter decisions.

Position Summary:

Samsung SDS America is looking for a dedicated and highly skilled Legal Counsel specializing in transactional and employment law to join our in-house legal team. In this integral role, you will provide comprehensive legal support and guidance on a wide range of transactional maters including contracts, corporate agreements, as well as employment law issues covering compliance, disputes, and policy development. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in commercial and employment law, coupled with excellent analytical skills and the ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice. As part of our company, you will collaborate closely with various departments including HR, finance, and operations to mitigate legal risks, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and support the company’s strategic objectives. This position offers an opportunity to work in a fast-paced, challenging environment where your expertise will contribute directly to the company’s success and growth. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiply priorities simultaneously are essential.

In this highly visible role, you will work on a variety of technology transactions and human capital management matters while supporting the General Counsel and handling special projects as they arise. You take a holistic approach to problem solving and possess a high degree of emotional intelligence and intellectual curiosity.

This is a hybrid position. Expected to work regular business hours with occasional extended hours during critical transaction windows or dispute resolutions.

Backed by extensive expertise across industries and capabilities acquired from managing Samsung IT systems for 30 years, Samsung SDS has successfully converted traditional data center infrastructure to a cloud environment to fit the business objectives and policies of its customers.

Responsibilities

Technology & Commercial Transactions

• Draft, review, and negotiate high-stakes outbound and inbound agreements, including SaaS/Software Licenses, Managed Services Agreements (MSA), and Professional Services Statements of Work (SOW).
• Audit third-party vendor risk, focusing on data privacy exhibits and service level commitments.
• Act as the lead negotiator to balance commercial urgency with long-term liability protection (indemnification, limitations of liability, and IP ownership).

Employment Law & HR Support

• Provide real-time legal counsel to the HR team on hiring, performance management, terminations, and workplace investigations.
• Draft, update, and implement company-wide employment policies (e.g. equal opportunity, harassment prevention, remote-work, data privacy for employee information).
• Draft and maintain all HR-related legal instruments, including Offer Letters, Separation Agreements, and Independent Contractor Agreements.
• Ensure global/national compliance with labor laws (FLSA, EEOC, GDPR/CCPA as it relates to employee data).
• Lead the annual revision of the Employee Handbook and internal Code of Conduct to reflect evolving legal landscapes.
• Manage employment-related disputes, including investigations, mediation arbitration, and court proceeding; coordinate with external counsel when necessary.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Finance on deal structures and budgeting.
• Work with Compliance to align contractual provisions with internal controls.
• Support HR in talent acquisition strategies that incorporate legal considerations.
• Liaise with IT/Information Security on data‑processing agreements and privacy impact assessments.

Strategic Contribution

• Participate in senior leadership meetings to provide legal perspectives on business initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of the company’s overall risk‑management framework.
• Lead or support special projects such as corporate restructurings or international expansion.

Requirements

• JD from an ABA Accredited Law School.
• Active license to practice law and capable of meeting in-house admission requirements in New Jersey.
• 5+ years of experience as practicing attorney with a focus on transactional work and employment law.
• Ability to successfully manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated track record of handling complex, high-value transactions.
• Strong project management skills and a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work with and develop relationships based on trust with individuals at all levels of the organization, including staff, managers, and executives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without restrictions for any employer.
• Must be able to commute to the office located in Ridgefield Park, NJ.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with international transactions and multi-jurisdictional employment matters.
• Exposure to technology or SaaS companies

Benefits

Samsung SDSA offers a comprehensive suite of programs to support our employees:

• Top-notch medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage
• Wellness program
• Parental leave
• 401K match and savings plan
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time off
• Additional benefits

Samsung SDS America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, marital status, genetic information, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process for candidates with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.