Job Abstract

PAY GRADE: 35E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Office of General Counsel (“OGC”) attorneys have wide-ranging practices and must handle multiple, unrelated matters concurrently. All attorneys must be able to complete complex projects both independently and with direction from the General Counsel. Reporting into the Vice President and General Counsel, the Assistant/Associate General Counsel must be able to prioritize multiple competing priorities and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. Experience working in an in-house environment, especially within higher education, will be strongly considered. The Assistant/Associate General Counsel will be expected to handle matters and transactions from beginning to end with minimal supervision, participate in team-wide process improvement initiatives, and provide advice and guidance on complex legal matters to the University leadership and departments.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide legal advice and support on transactional matters for the University of Delaware. This may include procurement, real estate, construction, and other university business and operational matters, as assigned. This includes reviewing, negotiating, drafting, advising, and managing documentation related to these areas.
• Manage complex commercial contracts and transactions (e.g., business agreements, agreements related to public private partnerships, joint ventures, and agreements governing large gifts).
• Manage affiliation and internship agreements including those related to international programs.
• Corporate law and governance (e.g., formation of business entities and corporate affiliations, mergers, and dissolutions).
• Safeguard the university's immediate and long-term interests by ensuring compliance with university policies as well as federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Assert, respond to, and resolve commercial disputes (but not including representing the University in litigation or arbitration of such disputes).
• Assist clients with process development, documents, and templates to optimize business approaches; perform legal research involving federal and state law, advise clients on strategy; draft and negotiate agreements; and support regulatory compliance in a variety of contexts.
• Collaborate with university officials, offices, and departments to develop and deliver legal education and support to the University of Delaware community.
• Interpret and review university regulations, policies, and procedures to identify the need for policy development or changes that protect and serve the university’s legal interests.
• Serve as a legal advisor to key work groups, committees, and related entities as assigned.
• Work within the OGC to provide advice and counsel on a variety of other issues facing academic institutions and large employers as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited ABA law school and three years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Prior employment in a higher education setting, government, or non-profit organization and thorough understanding of legal, academic, and operational issues pertinent to research-intensive public universities preferred.
• Professional legal experience in construction and/or commercial real estate practice preferred.
• Experience with procurement contracting preferred.
• Experience with the purchase, sale, and leasing of real property preferred.
• State of Delaware law license or eligibility for licensure within twelve months of hire under an in-house limited license.
• Proficiency and experience in drafting and negotiating agreements, as well as advising on compliance matters.
• Strong research and analytical skills, coupled with sound judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under the pressure of frequent interruptions, conflicting demands, and changing priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, capable of effectively communicating at all levels within the University and externally.
• Strong client service orientation and skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify potential legal issues or long-term implications of policy and legal decisions.
• Capacity to thrive in a collaborative, diverse environment and work independently with a high degree of motivation.
• Substantial expertise advising on and negotiating a variety of business agreements.
• High ethical standards, reflecting honesty, integrity, and reliability.
• Exceptional judgment in balancing legal risks with business strategy and establishing relationships with various constituencies.
• The ability to communicate and collaborate with stakeholders to find solutions and address the risk landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others in a team.
• Familiarity with applicable privacy laws, including FERPA, GDPR, and PIPL.
• Familiarity with laws and regulations applicable to colleges and universities, including Title IX, Section 504, and FERPA.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Commitment to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.