Counsel

About the role

The Counsel supports VERTEX’s commercial legal needs by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements, including client engagements, vendor agreements, requests for proposals (RFPs), revenue share arrangements, and strategic partnership agreements. This role works closely with the Assistant General Counsel to manage contracts from intake through execution while balancing legal risk with practical business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including:
• Master Service Agreements (MSAs)
• Professional services and consulting agreements
• Subconsultant and subcontractor agreements
• Strategic partnership agreements
• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
• Manage contracts from intake through execution while maintaining efficient turnaround times and alignment with Company risk management objectives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to facilitate timely contract review, negotiation, approval, and execution.
• Support the Assistant General Counsel in mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions through contract review, diligence, and document management activities.
• Conduct contract diligence reviews and identify key contractual provisions, including assignment, change of control, termination rights, indemnification obligations, and related risk factors.
• Assist with transaction data room organization and document management processes.
• Support post-closing integration activities, including contract tracking, assignments, and documentation updates.
• Monitor legal matters, project deadlines, and assigned tasks to ensure timely completion and high-quality work product.
• Travel as necessary to support client, employee, leadership, and transaction-related needs.
• Maintain a high standard of quality and professionalism in all legal work product and service delivery.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and escalate legal, operational, or business concerns to leadership as appropriate.
• Evaluate contractual risk and focus negotiations on material legal and business issues.
• Prioritize key risk drivers while efficiently resolving lower-impact issues.
• Escalate non-standard, complex, or high-risk contractual terms to the Assistant General Counsel as appropriate.
• Assist business stakeholders in understanding contractual obligations and associated risks.
• Review and negotiate non-standard customer contracts submitted through contract lifecycle management systems.
• Support the development and implementation of contract templates, clause libraries, fallback language, and negotiation playbooks.
• Promote process improvements that enhance contract efficiency, consistency, and risk management.
• Maintain accurate contract documentation and records within legal operations systems.
• Learn and manage the Company’s legal conflict check process.
• Monitor conflict search results through internal conflict management platforms.
• Vet potential legal conflicts and escalate business conflicts to division leadership as appropriate.
• Assist in implementing conflict mitigation strategies, including ethical wall procedures and client conflict waivers.
• Support litigation, claims, and dispute resolution matters as assigned, including coordination with outside counsel.
• Mentor and support paralegals and legal operations team members.
• Offer real-time guidance and support professional development initiatives within the Legal Department.
• Contribute to a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Support the organization’s vision, strategic objectives, and operational priorities.
• Complete daily responsibilities with professionalism, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with VERTEX’s core values and commitment to excellence.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one state bar.
• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience, a Master's degree and 3 years of related experience, or 8 years of related experience and no degree.
• Prior in-house legal experience and commercial contracting experience within a mid-sized to large regional or national law firm or corporate legal department consisting of more than 10 attorneys.
• Knowledge of key commercial contracting risks, including indemnification, limitation of liability, insurance requirements, and government contracting provisions such as FAR clauses.
• Experience supporting litigation, claims, dispute resolution matters, and coordination with outside counsel preferred.
• Commitment to meeting deadlines and business objectives, including flexibility to work extended hours when required.
• Ability to travel as business needs require.
• Strong understanding of commercial contracting principles and risk allocation strategies.
• Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong research capabilities and attention to detail.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with business leaders, clients, outside counsel, and team members.
• Experience with contract lifecycle management systems such as Evisort preferred.
• Experience with conflict management platforms such as InTapp preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness.
• Strong organizational skills and sound business judgment.

Additional Information

At VERTEX, we invest in top talent with a highly competitive total compensation package that rewards performance and supports long-term success. Total compensation includes a base salary and a discretionary variable bonus program, depending on your level. Our comprehensive benefits package offers multiple healthcare and dental plan options, as well as company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage—ensuring peace of mind for you and your family. We offer a 401(k) plan with immediate matching and full vesting, empowering employees to build financial security from day one. Additional benefits include Flexible Spending Accounts, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a suite of exclusive perks that enhance everyday life. At The Vertex Companies, our salary ranges are intentionally designed to support meaningful career growth over time. These ranges allow employees to develop, expand their impact, and increase their earnings as they progress within their job level. A new hire’s starting compensation is determined by their experience, geographical location, scope of the role at the time of hire, and Company affordability. Our ranges are structured to reward growth and performance, ensuring there is room for advancement and long-term opportunity.

The Salary Ranges For This Role Are As Follows

• $118,000 - $322,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier AA - Sample Locations: NY Metro, San Franscisco, San Jose, Seattle)
• $109,000 - $298,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier A - Sample Locations: Irvine CA, Middlesex NJ, Tacoma WA, Boston, Alexandria)
• $100,000 - $273,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier B - Sample Locations - Baltimore, Chicago, Anchorage, Portland)
• $91,000 - $248,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier C - Sample Locations - Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Miami)
• $87,000 - $236,000 USD annually (Geographical Tier D - Sample Locations - Mississippi, Mobile AL, Bowling Green KY, Tulsa)

Time away matters—so we provide a generous paid time off program, including vacation, sick time, and paid holidays (with prorated options for eligible part-time employees).