Description:
About the Position:A Private Research University is seeking an Associate University Counsel to join the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA). This is a full-time, in person position.
OLA is responsible for provision of all legal services to A Private Research University Board of Trustees, officers, administrative officials and authorized representatives of institutional interests for legal matters involving A Private Research University. OLA is a fast-paced, high-volume environment. OLA supports the mission and goals of A Private Research University by providing practical, ethical and high quality legal advice in a timely and professional manner.
Reporting to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, the Associate University Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice on a broad range of subjects with a concentration on University research related contracts and grant agreements, research compliance, technology transfer and intellectual property. The Associate University Counsel will also provide legal support on commercial transactions and business operations, real estate matters, regulatory compliance matters and other duties as assigned. The Associate University Counsel will assist in drafting or reviewing policies and procedures and in developing training and educational training programs for administrators, faculty, and staff. The successful candidate will be expected to exercise sound judgment and work collaboratively and collegially with other members of OLA and A Private Research University colleagues.
Essential Functions:
- Counseling: Provide legal advice and counsel to University client representatives
- Contracts: Draft and review University contracts and agreements
- Research: Perform legal and factual research pertaining to various issues
- Preventative: Provide information and guidance to clients on a wide range of legal topics relating to a higher education setting.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- A J.D. from an ABA accredited law school and a minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible legal experience as a practicing attorney is required. (Judicial clerkships will count as practice years.)
- A member in good standing of the Texas Bar or eligible to practice law in the State of Texas within one year or less is also required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
This position requires strong skills as a corporate and transactional attorney, including significant experience with contract drafting, negotiating, and an understanding of IP and research related issues.
The ideal candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. The candidate should also have a commitment to client service and teamwork. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail is a must.
Demonstrated experience in providing legal advice to a college or university, with significant knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and regulations is desired. Proven record of ability to undertake complex legal issues and capacity to negotiate creative solutions.