Assistant University Attorney

East Carolina University; Greenville (NC); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

East Carolina University seeks a seasoned attorney to provide comprehensive legal advice in support of its research, innovation, engagement, and economic development activities. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, you will advise on research agreements, IP licensing, industry relationships, and sponsored programs.

The role requires a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school, NC Bar admission or eligibility within one year, and at least one year of legal practice.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school and active or eligible North Carolina Bar within 1 year.
• Minimum of 1 year of legal practice experience.
• Ability to quickly develop proficiency in unfamiliar subject areas and provide sound legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional legal advice and counsel primarily in connection with research and economic development activities (45%).
• Draft, review, negotiate and advise on contracts related to research, innovation, engagement and economic development (45%).
• Professional development (5%).
• Other duties as assigned (5%).

Skills

Contract negotiation

Legal analysis

Regulatory compliance

Contract drafting

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

NC Bar admission or eligible within 1 year

1 year legal practice experience

Job description

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Anticipated Recruitment Range. Salary offered may be outside of this range as impacted by budget, UNC salary administration, and/or candidate qualifications.

Anticipated Recruitment Range. Salary offered may be outside of this range as impacted by budget, UNC salary administration, and/or candidate qualifications. $106,605 - $118,450

Position Location (City)

Position Type

Position Type Non-Faculty

Job Category

Job Category Non-Faculty Professional

Be a Pirate!

East Carolina University ( ECU ) is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities for its commitment to research, innovation, social mobility, and public service. Classified as a R1 institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, ECU is among the top 5% of research universities in the United States, an elite designation reflecting the highest levels of research activity, funding, and doctoral output.

Founded in 1907, ECU is a public, four-year university located in Greenville, N.C. , which and is widely regarded as the cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of eastern North Carolina. Through education, research, healthcare, community engagement, athletics, cultural enrichment, and service, ECU enhances the quality of life for its students, the state and communities around the world. It is a great place to work, teach, and learn.

ECU’s commitment to impactful scholarship is further demonstrated through its repeated Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (2010, 2015, 2024), as well as its 2024 designation as a Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose institution. These distinctions recognize the university’s leadership in translating research into meaningful community partnerships and measurable societal benefits.

The Chancellor’s Division at East Carolina University encompasses the Office of the Chancellor and the key administrative units, operations and leadership teams that report directly to the university’s chancellor. It is the core administrative wing responsible for the overall strategic direction, legal compliance and university-wide communications.

The Office of University Counsel provides comprehensive legal advice and counsel to the chancellor, Board of Trustees, principal administrators and, through them, the university’s faculty, staff and students. The office advises on contracts, policies and procedures, regulatory compliance, employment matters, litigation and other legal issues affecting the university and coordinates the university’s legal representation with the University of North Carolina System Office, the North Carolina Department of Justice and outside counsel, as appropriate.

Primary Purpose of Position

This position provides comprehensive legal advice and counsel in support of East Carolina University’s research, innovation, engagement and economic development activities. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel and Associate Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs, the position works collaboratively with other attorneys in the Office of University Counsel and with university administrators, faculty and staff, particularly within the research and economic development enterprise. The position advises on research agreements, intellectual property and licensing, industry relationships, sponsored programs, research compliance, international trade compliance, data use and privacy, centers and institutes, nonprofit entities, and related transactional and regulatory matters. The position also serves as an essential member of the Office of University Counsel’s Contract Practice Group and provides sophisticated legal analysis, drafting, negotiation and practical risk-based advice with a high degree of independence.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Provide professional legal advice and counsel primarily in connection with research and economic development activities (45%)
• Draft, review, negotiate and advise on contracts related to research, innovation, engagement and economic development (45%)
• Professional development (5%)
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Minimum Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

A J.D. from and ABA -Accredited law school; either a current member in good standing of the North Carolina Bar or eligible for admission to the North Carolina Bar within one (1) year of hiring; and a minimum of one (1) year of legal practice experience.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation

None

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

1. Demonstrated ability to quickly develop proficiency in unfamiliar subject areas and provide sound legal advice regarding complex legal and regulatory requirements.

2. Experience reviewing and negotiating complex contracts and transactions.

3. Experience providing legal advice to governmental or nonprofit entities.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 09/30/2026

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled Yes

Job Close Date

Job Close Date - Positions will be posted until 11:59 p.m. EST on this date. If no closing date is indicated, the position may close at any time after the initial screening date.

Work Location and Eligibility

Unless otherwise identified in the applicable job posting and consistent with University policy, the University will principally employ individuals who reside in the State of North Carolina to the greatest extent practicable. As such, most positions at East Carolina University require employees to live and work in North Carolina (or live within a reasonable daily commuting distance from their duty station) after hire. Candidates should be prepared to relocate within a reasonable, agreed-upon time after an offer of employment has been made and accepted to meet this requirement.

EEO / Diversity Statement

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at [phone] (Voice/ TTY) or ADA [e-mail].

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at [phone] or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to [e-mail]. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship for employment?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please indicate where you learned about this job vacancy.
  • LinkedIn
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • CareerBuilder
  • Greenville Daily Reflector
  • Raleigh News & Observer
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • InsideHigherEd.com
  • Monster.com
  • Indeed
  • ECU Website
  • Other