Legal Counsel II
This position is no longer accepting applications(closed Aug 16, 2026).
Summary
Provide strategic legal guidance to a design and architecture firm, handling contracts, compliance, M&A, and cross-functional collaboration in Buffalo, NY.
If you think your skills, experience and aspirations make you a good match for this position, we encourage you to apply.
ABOUT THE ROLE
- Strategic Leadership: As a member of the legal team, you will influence business decisions and engage in complex legal matters across the organization.
- Enterprise Impact: Your work will directly influence the firm’s risk profile, compliance posture, including M&A, international expansion, and corporate governance.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with executive leadership, finance, HR, and operations to align legal strategies with business objectives.
- Mentorship and Development: Collaborate with all legal team members, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Innovation and Transformation: Champion legal innovation by implementing best practices, legal technologies, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Draft, review, analyze, and negotiate complex contracts and vendor agreements both domestically and internationally.
- Lead contract negotiations and develop contract templates and playbooks.
- Provide strategic legal counsel in areas including litigation, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and international operations.
- Participate in the resolution of disputes and manage litigation, coordinating with outside counsel as needed.
- Participate in various legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships, including negotiation, due diligence, structuring, and integration.
- Serve as legal advisor on corporate matters, insurance, labor and employment, and intellectual property.
- Develop and implement legal policies, and training programs across the organization.
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience, with a preference for in-house counsel roles.
- Admission to the bar in the United States.
- Experience in drafting and negotiating contracts is essential.
- Preferred experience in the architectural, engineering, or construction industry.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas of law – litigation, corporate, professional licensing, software licensing, ERISA, benefits, insurance and intellectual property.
The salary range for this position is $104,200 to $130,300 annually. This salary range is the range we believe is the anticipated range of possible base compensation at the timing of the posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the anticipated salary range for the position. Based on the position status, employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and a full benefit package including medical, dental and vision coverage and flexible spending account options and voluntary insurances. We have paid time off, flex-time schedules, remote work options and a 401k plan and employee perk programs. For a general overview of our benefits, please visit our careers page at . Actual compensation may vary from posting based on geographic location, work experience, education and/or skill level.
ABOUT OUR FIRM
CannonDesign is a design practice where strategy, experience, architecture, engineering, and social impact converge. We don’t just dream up solutions — we create and bring them to life in ways to solve some of the biggest challenges facing our clients and the society. At the heart of everything we do is Living-Centered Design, a bold commitment to using our talents to not just improve the world but to truly reshape it for the better. It’s more than a philosophy — it’s who we are, and it drives us to make a meaningful, lasting difference every day.
ABOUT WORKING HERE
- We are relentless in our pursuit of client adoration (not simply satisfaction). Consistent delivery of the best service is what we are about.
- We are committed to ensuring our practice provides equal opportunities for all employees, as we strive to connect with communities around us and focus on the future of design. We support equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts that benefit all employees through the leadership of our DEI Council, our Employee Resource Groups which are open to everyone, and other community initiatives.
- We’re about communication and transparency here. If you want to talk to someone about an idea you have, or a challenge that needs addressing, we’re ready for you.
Please note that candidates can only apply to our positions on our company Careers site. It's not uncommon for scammers to create positions that look legitimate on other sites; never enter your information or apply for CannonDesign positions on any platform. Should an issue arise that you feel we should be aware of, please contact us. Please provide your resume and portfolio when applying.
As a condition of employment, all employees are expected to complete mandatory training, including compliance training, within required timeframes and adhere to our internal policies and our Code of Conduct.
CannonDesign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CannonDesign is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free from any and all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. It is therefore the firm’s policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment against any applicant, CannonDesign employee, vendor, contractor, or client on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. It is also CannonDesign’s policy to prohibit any and all forms of retaliation against any individual who has complained of harassing or discriminatory conduct, or participated in a firm or agency investigation into such complaints.
As published by greenhouse
First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV, Cover Letter, Location
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- Desired Salary
- Do you have current or former government work experience including military service? choose one
- Have you ever been employed by CannonDesign? choose one
- If yes, please provide dates of employment. optional
- Do you have a current employment agreement that includes a non-compete and/or non solicitation restrictions? choose one
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- Please provide the names of three recent work-related references, including their name, relationship, email address, phone number, and company. If you do not have prior work experience, you may list school or volunteer-related references. written answer
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- What is your legal first name?
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- What is your legal last name?
- By typing my legal name below, I acknowledge that the information contained in this document, my resume, and any other materials submitted on my behalf are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any incorrect, incomplete, or false statements, or information furnished by me and/or on my behalf during the application or employment process, may subject me to disqualification from consideration or to discharge. I understand that employment at CannonDesign is at will and an employment offer from CannonDesign does not constitute an expressed or implied contract of employment. If hired, I have the right to terminate my employment for any reason at any time. I also understand that CannonDesign reserves the same right. I agree that any claims or lawsuits relating to my service with CannonDesign or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries must be filed no more than six (6) months after the date of the employment action that is the subject of the claim or lawsuit. I waive any statute of limitations to the contrary. I authorize, without reservation, any party or agency contacted at CannonDesign’s request to furnish references and verifications regarding information including but not limited to the names and dates of previous employers, reason for termination of employment, job performance, character, work experience, academic records, and professional licensure or certification. I acknowledge that my electronic signature is as valid as an original signature and that a copy of this document will be as valid as the original.
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- If selected for this role, do you intend to begin or continue any outside employment, self-employment, freelance work, board position, or other business affiliation while employed by CannonDesign? choose one
- Please provide details, including name of the organization if applicable, nature of the work, position, or affiliation, estimated hours spent per week, and any other details that you think may be relevant. written answer