Job Abstract

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Job Profile Title

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Provide professional legal advice and expertise to University constituents regarding various student and academic affairs issues, including admissions, academic and non-academic misconduct, discrimination, disability, sexual misconduct, education records and privacy, student groups, and intervention services; conduct legal research and provide legal opinions; provide guidance on pre-litigation disputes and complex and routine matters.

• Advise on application and development of a wide range of policies and procedures, including student disciplinary procedures, academic regulations and student handbooks; work closely with academic administrators and other professionals responsible for student-related policies and serve as resource in connection with proceedings related to those policies.

• Manage agency complaints initiated by students, respond to complaints and requests for information, and represent the interests of the University before agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights; manage court litigation related  to student and academic issues, oversee outside counsel, direct strategy, and liaise between outside counsel and University clients.

• Serve as resource to committees and working groups; attend meetings of student support groups as needed, serve as a resource to their constituents and provide legal counsel; provide training and help develop training on issues in practice areas.

• Review a range of agreements, MOUs and other legal documents supporting academic and student life activities at the University and advise on legal risks; assist in coordinating negotiation and implementation of agreements, including drafting and legal review of educational affiliation agreements with domestic and international partners. 

• Remain current on legal developments in practice areas; advise on legislative and significant legal developments affecting University activities supported by role; monitor trends in higher education and update University constituents as appropriate.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a J.D. from an ABA accredited law school and a minimum of 5 years relevant professional experience gained as in-house counsel or in private practice. Experience in higher education or with higher education clients with direct experience handling student affairs issues is strongly preferred. Candidates must be admitted to and in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar or other state bar; admission to the Pennsylvania Bar is required within one year of hire. Candidates must have excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as strong critical thinking, analysis and reasoning skills.   This position requires an ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion; proactive approach to problem solving; ability to handle multiple priorities in a dynamically fluid environment; ability to identify, frame and solve complex legal issues creatively and to convey advice clearly and effectively; superior organizational skills and the ability to interact and function effectively in an academic and research environment.  The successful candidate must be able to work independently while also effectively partnering with others.

Job Location - City, State

Department / School

Pay Range

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. 

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay