Cleary Gottlieb is a pioneer in globalizing the legal profession. We have fourteen offices in major financial centers around the world, but we operate as a single, integrated global partnership and not a U.S. firm with a network of overseas locations. The firm employs approximately 1,100 lawyers from more than fifty countries.

Since 1946 our lawyers and staff have worked across practices, industries, jurisdictions and continents to provide clients with simple, actionable approaches to their most complex legal and business challenges, whether domestic or international. We support every client relationship with intellectual agility, commercial acumen, and a human touch.

Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel (Operational Risk) is a senior global role responsible for driving enterprise-wide legal and risk initiatives and managing cross-functional teams.

• Lead and manage a global team of attorneys providing legal advice to the Firm on client and vendor contracts (including AI and technology contracts) and operational risk matters.
• Oversee the drafting, negotiation, and management of client and vendor contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Advise on large-scale technology and AI initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
• Strengthen and implement risk management frameworks and collaborate with senior business partners across functions and jurisdictions to drive firm-wide risk and governance initiatives.
• Translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into actionable business guidance for leadership.
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver the department’s business plan and work collectively to ensure seamless client service and deliver continuous improvement of processes in furtherance of the Firm’s strategic goals.

Essential

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent, with 10–12 years’ relevant legal experience at top-tier law firms and/or in-house roles.
• Proven leadership of legal teams and multi-jurisdictional projects, with a strong track record of people management across jurisdictions and time zones.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and to make confident, timely decisions.
• Extensive experience in advising on risk and providing legal advice to a law firm.
• Strong background in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with senior cross-functional teams.

Core Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to draft complex information succinctly and in plain English.
• Meticulous attention to detail and advanced project management abilities.
• Proven track record of successfully managing, mentoring and developing people to ensure high calibre delivery of client service and retention of strong performers.
• Strong judgement and ability to make strategic decisions in complex, evolving environments.
• Leadership presence, accountability, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders globally.
• Resourceful and able to work autonomously whilst being an effective member of a global team.
• Ability to prioritise, multi-task, and remain calm under pressure whilst meeting deadlines.
• Deep understanding of operational risk frameworks and practical risk management.

Preferred

• Background in technology law, regulatory compliance, and operational risk.
• Experience with vendor management and legal frameworks. 

The estimated base salary for this position is $250,000.00 to $275,000.00 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including
skills, education, training, credentials, experience, scope and complexity of role responsibilities, geographic location, and performance. This role is exempt meaning that it is not eligible for overtime pay.

Cleary provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health care benefits. More information can be found here: Benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with these goals, the firm prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment based on any category protected by law. Cleary provides reasonable accommodations to enable otherwise qualified employees to perform the essential functions of their position, provided the accommodation does not pose an undue hardship to the Firm.