General Counsel
Job ID JR101817 Date posted 05/09/2025Brookhaven Laboratory (BNL) is seeking an in-house General Counsel to provide comprehensive legal counsel and advice across all elements of the Laboratory’s mission and operations. The General Counsel is responsible for overseeing the legal affairs of the laboratory, providing strategic legal advice to the management team, and advising on compliance with federal, state, and local laws. The General Counsel reports to the Laboratory Director, is a member of the Senior Leadership Council, works closely with the Department of Energy (DOE), and serves as the board secretary for Brookhaven Science Associates, the LLC that manages and operates BNL on behalf of DOE.
Key Responsibilities:
- Legal Advice and Counsel:
- Provide advice and support to the Laboratory Director and senior management on legal issues, including contracts, intellectual property, tech transfer and commercialization, employment law, regulatory compliance, environmental issues and government contracting.
- Advise laboratory leadership on compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to mitigate risks and ensure effective governance.
- Contract Negotiation:
- Oversee the drafting, negotiation, and review of complex contracts, agreements, and other legal documents with partners and government agencies.
- Litigation Management:
- Lead the legal response to litigation, manage and coordinate all litigation, including working with outside counsel as necessary.
- Identify strategies to minimize litigation risk.
- Leadership / Stakeholder Engagement:
- Manage a team of attorneys with expertise in employment law, contracts, intellectual property and procurement.
- Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as DOE-HQ’s General Counsel’s office, the Brookhaven Site Office, Brookhaven Science Associates, auditors and elected officials, as well as General Counsels across the DOE National Laboratory Complex.
- Represent the Laboratory in critical activities, including: litigation, hearings before administrative judges, third party investigations, regulatory and enforcement agencies.
- Maintain knowledge of the laboratory’s operations and legal documents.
- Manage the legal department's budget and resources efficiently.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Admission to the bar and in good standing, in compliance with New York State Bar rules for in-house counsel
- A minimum of 15 years of legal experience
- Demonstrated ability to identify and mitigate legal risks
- Excellent analytical, negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Prior experience with motion practice, discovery dispute, and trial preparation
- Proven ability to manage complex legal issues and provide practical, strategic advice
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage complex legal matters and a legal team
- Ability to think critically and provide strategic legal guidance that aligns with the laboratory's goals and objectives
- High ethical standards and commitment to integrity
- Must have or be able to obtain a Q security clearance.
- Ability to relocate to Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in a scientific or research environment
- Litigation experience
- Government contracting experience
- Experience as in-house counsel in a DOE national lab, Federally Funded Research and Development Center, or similar environment
About Brookhaven
Brookhaven National Laboratory accelerates pathways to scientific discovery and technological innovation that transform the world. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, over 40 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 75 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University.
Brookhaven Lab is home to one of the world’s largest existing particle accelerators and is constructing the future Electron-Ion Collider. The Lab also hosts one of the brightest x-ray synchrotrons in the world, the Center for Functional Nanomaterials, the quantum information science Center for Co-Design for Quantum Advantage, the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory, and produces radioisotopes for medical uses, as well as many other science programs. The Scientific Data and Computing Center stores 300 PB of data, which is the largest tape archive in the U.S. for nuclear and particle physics, and third in terms of scientific data overall. Brookhaven has a staff of more than 3000 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support, and hosts more than 7,000 guests and users annually.
Fundamental elements of the Laboratory's role in support of the DOE strategic missions in science, energy, national security and environmental management are given by our strategic initiatives:
- Understanding the Building Blocks of the Universe
- Leading in Discovery with Light-Enabled Science
- Developing Next-Generation Information Science and Technologies
- Advancing Energy Security and Essential Resources.
Brookhaven employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Brookhaven Science Associates is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class. BSA takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance the employment of minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
*VEVRAA Federal Contractor
Apply Now-
Family Programs
Brookhaven strives to assist employees to better manage their complex personal and professional lives. We celebrate our inclusive culture, progressive policies, programs, and active community involvement.
Learn More -
Goldhaber Fellowships
The prestigious Gertrude and Maurice Goldhaber Distinguished Fellowships are awarded to scientists with exceptional talent and credentials.
Learn More -
Awards and Discoveries
Collaborate with world-class experts at the frontiers of science. Research at Brookhaven has led to seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, and many Lab scientists have been honored with prestigious awards.
Learn More
-
The Brookhaven Experience
Brookhaven Lab and its world-class research facilities are at the forefront of scientific discovery, and 60 miles east of midtown Manhattan. Employment at Brookhaven Lab comes with many benefits.
Learn More -
Everywhere Is Within Reach
Brookhaven Lab is located just miles from Long Island’s beautiful beaches, vineyards, restaurants, shopping, schools, and more. Plus, New York City and three major airports are within 60 miles of our gate.
Learn More -
Benefits
We know that benefits are an important part of your employment. Our benefits programs address both the immediate needs of your family, such as insurance coverage, and long term needs like retirement savings.
Learn More -
Long Island, Where you BeLONG.
Long Island is a special place to be. A place where those who call it home share a sincere pride in its uniqueness. Wherever your intrique may take you, you can find where you BeLong on Long Island.