Assistant General Counsel

Oakland University; Oakland, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland University in Rochester, MI, seeks a General Counsel to provide legal services to the university on a wide range of matters including governance, contracts, compliance, IP, labor, privacy, and risk management.

The ideal candidate will have a J.D. from an accredited law school, Michigan bar admission or eligibility, and at least three years of progressively responsible legal experience in higher education or public sector law, with strong communication and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• J. D. degree from an accredited law school.
• License to practice law in the State of Michigan or immediate eligibility for admission.
• A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a broad range of relevant legal areas.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, conflict resolution, and written and oral communication skills; and collegial disposition.

Skills

Legal analysis

Communication skills

Education

J.D. degree from an accredited law school

License to practice law in Michigan or immediate eligibility

Job description

Department

Department 4112 - Legal Affairs/Gen Counsel/Bd Of Trustees

Position Number

986386

Requisition No.

S02817

Salary Range/Pay Rate

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits of Working at Oakland University

Oakland University offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefit program including a comprehensive medical plan with low contribution amounts for our employees, dental and vision plans at no cost for our employees, generous paid time off plans, a generous University contribution to our 403(b) retirement plan, tuition assistance for our employees and dependents, free access to our Campus Recreation Center and workout facilities, and flexible work schedules and wellness programs. These are current benefit levels subject to future changes. Oakland University offers a strong, University-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, which has garnered national recognition as a top workplace for LGBTQ+ community members; national recognition as a safe workplace, and consistent top ranking for support services to U.S. Military veteran students.

Employee Group/Grade

AP Band W

Work Schedule

FT/Reg (40 hours)

Shift/Days

This is a full-time position. First consideration will be given to those who apply by August 26, 2026.

Pay Schedule

Month

Number of Hrs./Wk.

40

Position Information

Minimum Qualifications

• J. D. degree from an accredited law school.
• License to practice law in the State of Michigan or immediate eligibility for admission.
• A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a broad range of relevant legal areas.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, conflict resolution, and written and oral communication skills; and collegial disposition.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with higher education or public sector law.
• FOIA experience.
• EEOC , MDCR OCR and other agency experience.
• Experience in the practice areas described in the Position Purpose statement below.
• Preference for applicants with significant prior experience in labor (e.g., collective bargaining, grievances, arbitrations, etc.) and employment law.

All Qualifications

Unless otherwise required by an applicable collective bargaining agreement, all minimum, additional and desired qualifications are preferred, but qualifications, degrees, and/or experience deemed comparable and/or equivalent by Oakland University in its sole and exclusive discretion may be considered.

Position Purpose

Assist the General Counsel in providing legal services to the University on an extensive range of legal matters including without limitation general business, board governance, constitutional law, compliance, governmental immunity, intellectual property, patent, copyright, health care, labor and employment, employee benefits, tax, contracts, academic and policy issues, real estate and construction, bankruptcy, charter schools, immigration, privacy and data security, software agreements, planned giving, gifts, endowments, government regulations, charitable gaming, FOIA , HIPAA , COBRA , FERPA , Clery Act, FMLA , litigation, scientific research, police/criminal law, risk management, liquor license and other assigned areas and duties consistent with the skills, interests and needs of the office.

Job Open Date

08/13/2026

Position Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently a member of the Oakland University Administrative-Professional Group?
  • Yes
  • No
  • No Response
• * Describe your prior work experience in any of the specific practice areas described in the Position Purpose statement of the Position Description.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe your experience with online forms such as Google Docs, eforms, etc and with virtual platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom, etc.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Are you willing to work non-traditional work hours such as nights and weekends and to schedule time off around large scale university events?
  • Yes
  • No

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Optional Documents

• Writing Sample
• Publication 1

371 Wilson Boulevard, Rochester, MI 48309
248-370-2100