Senior Director, Legal Counsel

ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most by challenging norms and fixing the ER experience. Since then, we’ve expanded rapidly, with hospitals nationwide open 24/7/365, and created an ER experience that focuses on what our pets and pet parents really need. We’ve done the same for our people (VEGgies), finding a way to say YES so they are empowered to achieve great things, grow in unexpected ways, and find a place where they truly belong.

We’re rethinking emergency care from every angle—from how we run our hospitals to how we support the people working inside them. That’s where our headquarters team comes in. Whether building technology to make our hospitals more efficient, recruiting and growing incredible VEGgies, or bringing our brand to life through marketing, our VQ (VEG Headquarters) team makes it all possible—ensuring our hospitals and people have everything they need to help pets and their families.

VEG is a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work®.

THE JOB

At VEG, we find a way to say YES—and this role brings that mindset to how our Legal team at VEGquarters (VQ) helps leaders across VEG make sound decisions and keep important work moving.

As Senior Director, Legal Counsel, you’ll work with leaders across the business to understand what they’re trying to accomplish, identify the legal risks and considerations that matter, and give clear recommendations they can act on. You’ll own complex matters across commercial contracts, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, privacy, and other legal issues that come with running and growing VEG.

You’ll help create a Legal experience where people understand their options, know what you recommend, and can move forward with confidence. That means knowing when a risk truly matters, when something can move, when deeper review is needed, and how to find a workable path forward whenever one exists.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Strategic Legal Partnership: Serve as a trusted advisor to VEG’s business and clinical teams by delivering proactive, business-minded legal guidance that enables smart, fast decision-making.
• Commercial Excellence: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts across vendors, technologies, and services ensuring a balance of speed, clarity, and protection.
• Corporate Governance: Support entity management and corporate governance for VEG’s growing U.S. and Canadian footprint, advising on key strategic and cross-functional initiatives.
• Compliance Leadership: Enhance and scale compliance programs across data privacy, regulatory frameworks, and ethics—driving a culture of integrity and accountability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with leaders across Operations, Growth, HR, IT, and Marketing to align legal strategy with business priorities.
• Process and Playbook Development: Design repeatable tools, templates, and training that help teams move quickly and confidently within clear legal guardrails.

WHAT YOU NEED

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active license to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 7+ years of relevant experience, including at least 2 years in-house (healthcare, veterinary, or high-growth environment preferred).
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and advising  internal stakeholders on a variety of legal issues.
• Familiarity with compliance frameworks, data privacy, and multi-state/multi-country regulations.
• Practical, business-oriented mindset with a focus on clarity, speed, and partnership.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills; thrives in a collaborative, in-person culture.

WHO YOU ARE

• Empathetic, instinctively taking a people-centric approach, whether supporting your colleagues or making an effort to understand different perspectives
• Have a sense of humility; acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit with others, and lifting up your team’s’ accomplishments
• Feel a strong sense of ownership over your work, taking responsibility for outcomes and staying committed to achieving long-term, impactful results 
• Curious by nature; you ask insightful questions and continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow your skills and knowledge

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

• Competitive Compensation ($265,000 - $330,000) + bonus + benefits.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits that start on day one, and access to free therapy or counseling
• Paid parental leave, up to 10 weeks at 100% of regular salary, and offering inclusive fertility and family-building care for all types of families
• Unlimited PTO to use for vacation or sick days—however you need it! 
• Generous employee referral program, so our awesome people can bring in more awesome people.
• And the little (big) things, like casual office attire, ability to bring your fur baby to work, cool VEG swag, food in the fridge for when you’re hungry and free lunches twice a week!!
• Company laptop and a monthly cell phone reimbursement
• 4 days in office required; HQ located in White Plains, NY.

BETTER TOGETHER: WHY IN-PERSON MATTERS AT VEG HQ 

Our hospitals thrive on in-person collaboration, and VQ is no different. Time in the office sparks stronger connections, meaningful conversations, and better results—all bringing our core values to life. We prioritize being present because our values are best achieved side by side. Plus, we make getting here easy with free parking and a shuttle from the White Plains Metro-North station.

DEI

At VEG, diversity is not just a word—it's a strength that fuels innovation and kindness. Our mission is “Helping people and their pets when they need it most.” And we do that better when our VEGgies (employees) feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. That's why we're devoted to creating an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve—where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.

We are focused on providing equitable opportunities for growth, promoting inclusive decision-making, and ensuring that everyone's perspective is considered. Saying yes to VEG means helping us build a culture where your unique experiences and background contribute to a shared vision: being the world’s veterinary emergency company.