Contracts Administration and Legal Support Associate (1554279)

Location: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston
 

Contract Administration and Legal Support Associate

At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Our General Counsel’s Office (GCO) supports EY’s business by serving as trusted advisors to the EY community and providing the highest quality legal services to EY’s service lines and business enablement functions.

The opportunity

As a Contract Administration and Legal Support Associate (“CALS Associate”) within GCO, you’ll assist in the daily management of contractual agreements with external vendors for specific categories or types of engagement such as subcontractors and consultants. Management of these agreements includes management of the workflow process, facilitation of negotiation and execution of the contract. This role also assists with internal consultations with subject matter experts for data privacy, independence and others, as needed. CALS Associates regularly interface with attorneys in the GCO, Directors and Partners within the firm.  CALS Associates are also the key point of contact with external vendor executives during the contract negotiation process.

Your key responsibilities

• Understand and apply key requirements of the firm's risk and procurement policies as well as external regulator independence rules governing firm activities
• Generate draft contractual agreements and facilitate negotiations for the procurement of various products and/or services in accordance with firm guidelines, policies and procedures 
• Partner with internal customers/professionals to make certain business needs are met and the firm's risk is mitigated when entering into agreements with vendors
• Review contracts proposed by vendors for inclusion of appropriate Ernst & Young (“EY”) approved language as advised by GCO as well as review terms, pricing and billing arrangements
• Escalate concerns related to the contract review within GCO, as necessary
• Liaise between EY personnel, other members of GCO, and various functional areas within the firm (e.g., Independence, Risk Management, Procurement)
• Perform initial review of submissions from EY employees and evaluate completeness, accuracy and appropriateness of proposed transaction/requests
• Facilitate and drive the contracting process to completion by following up on requests with functional area leadership, GCO attorneys, Risk Management, EY employees and external vendor personnel
• Escalate matters and/or sensitive transactions requiring more experienced individuals to respond or process
• Participate in meetings with functional area leadership and within GCO
• Use analytical and project management methodology to execute projects
• Conduct training and/or educate client engagement teams on key submission requirements

Skills and attributes for success

You’ll possess the commitment to delivering quality work, willingness to team with others and contribute to a positive work environment.  Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks and activities in a timely manner and be responsible for specific outcomes.  Positive attitude and approach, willingness to accept new challenges, flexibility and acceptance of change.  Ability to demonstrate knowledge of area of operations and communicate processes, identify issues, and provide solutions to mitigate risk to the firm

Working with professionals and leaders across the firm at all levels, you’ll utilized your interpersonal skills to develop and foster those relationships with internal stakeholders.  Additionally, strong communication skills along with the confidence and ability interface with EY personnel at all levels.

To qualify for this role, you must have

• Excellent attention to detail for the purpose of contract review and negotiation
• Ability to understand and interpret EY policies and guidelines
• Ability to learn and understand the firm and regulators’ independence rules and policies as well as familiarity with other risk management initiatives
• Ability to plan and organize own work, with little supervision
• Ability to perform routine reporting (i.e., status updates) for current work and any escalations
• Certain assignments may require the ability to obtain a Secret Government Security Clearance
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Approximately 1-3 years related experience
• Paralegal and/or formal legal education is a plus

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Experience working within a large law firm or corporate legal department within a regulated industry
• Experience working on contracts within emerging technology industries

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.