Associate General Counsel

DePaul University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 119,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stable university employment

Top medical, dental, vision benefits

8% retirement plan matching

Tuition waivers for employees and\ndep

Generous paid time off

Job summary

DePaul University is seeking an Associate General Counsel to deliver strategic legal support to senior leadership across real estate, tax, financing, advancement, and corporate governance. The role requires independent judgment, risk management, and coordination with outside counsel to advance institutional objectives.

The successful candidate will provide sophisticated advice on complex matters, supervise outside counsel and a paralegal, and interact in an academic environment while maintaining

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school is required.
• 4–6 years’ legal experience, with real estate, commercial, nonprofit, or education law preferred.
• Prior real estate, commercial/corporate transactional, and large-firm experience highly desirable.
• Must be licensed to practice law in Illinois.
• Strong legal research, analysis and reasoning skills.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively in an academic community.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Real estate, facilities, and construction guidance for complex matters; drafts and negotiates agreements.
• Counsel university departments on general contracts and commercial transactions.
• Provide tax, finance, and investments guidance; coordinate with external counsel.
• Advise on charitable giving and endowments; ensure regulatory and donor compliance.
• Support corporate governance; draft contracts, memoranda, and institutional forms.
• Handle special projects and supervise outside counsel and a paralegal.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical reasoning

Communication skills

Problem solving

Academic collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Highlights:

Reporting to the Vice President and General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel provides an array of legal services to the University. The Associate General Counsel provides advanced legal counsel and strategic guidance to senior University leadership on a broad range of complex matters, including real estate, facilities operations, tax and financing, commercial transaction, investments, advancement activities, and corporate governance. Exercises a high degree of independent judgment, manages institutional risk, and coordinates with outside counsel as appropriate.

What You'll Do:

1. Real Estate, Facilities, and Construction - Serves as primary legal advisor to the Vice President for Facilities Operations and related stakeholders on complex real estate and facilities matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, land use, zoning, and construction. Drafts, reviews, and negotiates sophisticated agreements and transactional documents. Identifies and mitigates legal and operational risks. Oversees and directs outside counsel on specialized matters.
2. Commercial Transactions - Provides legal counsel to University departments and administrative units on a wide range of general contracts, commercial transactions, and institutional initiatives. Drafts, reviews, and negotiates agreements, including vendor contracts, service agreements, and other commercial instruments. Supports cross-functional and enterprise initiatives by identifying legal risks, structuring solutions, and ensuring alignment with University policies and applicable laws.
3. Tax, Finance, and Investments - Provides legal analysis and guidance to the University Treasurer and associated stakeholders on tax compliance, debt financing, and investment activities. Supports structuring and execution of financing transactions and investment arrangements. Drafts and reviews legal documents and coordinates with external counsel and financial professionals to ensure compliance with applicable laws and institutional objectives.
4. Advancement and Planned Giving - Advises the Senior Vice President for Advancement and development staff on legal aspects of charitable giving, including planned giving vehicles, endowments, and major gift agreements. Ensures compliance with applicable tax, regulatory, and donor intent requirements. Reviews and drafts complex gift instruments and related documentation.
5. Corporate Governance - Provides legal support to University departments on governance and policy interpretation. Drafts and reviews contracts, memoranda, and institutional forms. Contributes to development and implementation of policies that support compliance and operational effectiveness.

Additional Responsibilities - Handles special projects and performs other duties as assigned consistent with the level and scope of the position.

Supervises the activities of outside counsel, external consultants, and activities of a paralegal working in the department on issues related to the portfolio.

What You'll Need:

• JD from an ABA accredited law school, required.
• Minimum of 4 to 6 years’ experience in the practice of law required, with some combination of real estate, commercial, non-profit, or education law, preferred.
• Prior real estate, commercial/corporate transactional, and large firm experience highly desirable.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois.
• Demonstrated capability for legal research, analysis and reasoning.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion.
• Ability to interact and function effectively in an academic community.
• Proficiency with basic office software programs including Microsoft Office.
• Occasional weekend and evening work, as necessary.
• Infrequent out-of-state travel.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is: $119,397 to $180,000.

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Perks:

• Working for a stable and well-known University.
• Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%.
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!
• Full-Time Benefits

Vincentian Mission:

Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences are welcome and supported.

Required Background Check:

Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check.

DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.