Assistant General Counsel

Oakland University; Rochester (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, seeks a seasoned General Counsel to provide strategic legal guidance to the university and its Board of Trustees. The role spans governance, compliance, contracts, intellectual property, health care, labor and employment, and regulatory matters affecting the campus and its mission.

This senior position involves partnering with university leadership to assess risk, shape policy, supervise external counsel, and support major initiatives and negotiations.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• License to practice law in Michigan or immediate eligibility.
• At least three years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal guidance to the University and Board of Trustees.
• Oversee governance, compliance, contracts, IP, labor and employment, and regulatory matters.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, manage risk, and supervise external counsel.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Written and oral communication

Collegial disposition

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

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

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.
• Significant litigation 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

Job Close Date