Associate General Counsel

Inside Higher Ed; Clemson (SC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent public research university in South Carolina is seeking an Associate General Counsel to provide expert legal advice on complex transactions. The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctor and over ten years of experience, preferably in public higher education. Responsibilities include advising on agreements and negotiations for various university departments. This position requires strong critical thinking and communication skills, with a compensation package commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should apply by January 7, 2026.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience as an attorney required.
• Preference for candidates with transactional work experience in public higher education.
• Preference for transactional work involving public higher education.
• Member of the South Carolina Bar; eligibility for limited certificate may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and guidance for university transactions including agreements.
• Support deal formation, negotiate, and produce related documents.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

Skills

Critical thinking

Effective communication skills

Proactive legal counsel

Project management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

As a top public research university and a cornerstone of South Carolina's higher education system, Clemson University is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. We are seeking an Associate General Counsel to join our Office of General Counsel and support the University's mission with integrity, expertise, and a collaborative spirit.

The Associate General Counsel position provides advice and counsel with a primary focus on more complex transactional legal matters and projects. The Associate General Counsel will often work independently or as the lead attorney for a matter and can recognize when to elevate certain matters to the attention of more senior attorneys.

Job Duties

• Provide legal advice and guidance, including the review and drafting of agreements, for various university transactions, including academic collaborations, donor agreements, public‑private collaborations, research and intellectual property matters, information technology matters, and procurements.
• Provide deal‑formation legal support, including deal ideation, structure, negotiation, and related document production to various departments within the institution including Procurement, External Affairs, Development, Research, IT, and Athletics.
• Perform such other legal duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

Knowledge, Skill, And Abilities

A thorough knowledge and understanding of the relevant laws and regulations impacting Clemson as a state institution of higher education that also has agriculture regulation obligations. The ability to interpret and apply policies, laws, and judicial decisions to provide solutions to enable the client to achieve its goals. The ability to think critically and express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. The ability to establish priorities and manage a robust workload. The ability to manage and meet deadlines. A strong sense of ethics and compliance. Must be able to work independently and in collaboration with internal and outside legal counsel. Ability to manage a heavy workload in a high‑pressure environment. Effective communication skills (oral and written) and people skills within and across departments and externally; must be proactive in providing counsel to the client.

Minimum Requirements

• A Juris Doctor (JD) or its equivalent from an accredited law school.
• Ten plus years of experience as an attorney.
• Preference for candidates with transactional work experience on deals involving public higher education institutions.
• Member of the South Carolina Bar (eligibility for a limited certificate for admission may be considered). The successful candidate is subject to the approval of the South Carolina Attorney General.

Responsibilities Highlight

Comprehensive job knowledge, supervisory responsibilities as lead, no budget responsibilities, physical requirements include prolonged sitting and communication, working conditions standard, work schedule 37.5 hrs per week.

Compensation Information

Salary commensurate with experience; dependent on several factors including previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

Location

Clemson, SC

How To Apply

Interested parties must apply electronically via Interfolio and submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five references by January 7, 2026. For nominations or questions regarding this position, please email Clemson Executive Search at [e-mail].

Veteran & Military Information

Military technical certifications and training related to job duties are allowed. Veteran preference for qualifying full‑time permanent positions as per state policy.

Closing Statement

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.