Associate General Counsel

CLEMU Clemson University; Clemson (SC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University seeks an Associate General Counsel to represent the university on compliance with federal and state laws. The role focuses on FOIA responses, litigation support, and handling a workload across areas with independent work and escalation to senior attorneys as needed.

Responsibilities include supporting litigation, performing legal research, drafting university policies, and advising administrators and staff on complex legal issues.

Qualifications

• JD or its equivalent from an accredited school.
• Ten (10) plus years' experience as an attorney.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to Clemson University administrators, faculty and staff.
• Assist more senior attorneys on various legal projects.
• Support assigned university litigation and outside counsel.
• Prepare responses to FOIA requests and related discovery documents.

Skills

Legal research

FOIA handling

Litigation support

Policy interpretation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Electronic discovery tools

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for representing and providing legal advice to Clemson University regarding compliance with various provisions of applicable federal and state law. This position will have a primary focus on preparing responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, providing litigation support, and supporting the university’s legal needs by maintaining an appropriate workload of assigned projects in one or more focused substantive areas. The Associate General Counsel provides legal counsel to university administrators, faculty and staff in various areas and assists more senior attorneys on a variety of legal projects. The Associate General Counsel works independently on most legal matters with the ability to recognize when to elevate certain matters to the attention of senior attorneys. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES

Support assigned university litigation and the outside counsel representing the institution; assists with the identification and preparation of witnesses; prepares litigation updates and proposes litigation strategy for the General Counsel. (20%)

Perform legal research and provide legal advice and counsel on a range of legal topics pertinent to a higher education institution and other duties as assigned. (20%)

Prepare responses for discovery, subpoenas, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests including preparing search terms for electronic searches and reviewing documents for redaction. Handles complex matters with minimal guidance. (40%)

Draft and interpret university policies, standards and procedures, and review proposed legislative bills, resolutions, and amendments affecting Clemson University, and performs additional duties as assigned. (20%)

JOB CODE

UP11

EMPLOYEE TYPE

Regular FTE Staff

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• JD or its equivalent from an accredited school.
• Ten (10) plus years' experience as an attorney.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Prior federal, state, or local government experience including FOIA, litigation, regulatory or similar agency experience.
• Prior legal experience in higher education or representing higher education clients.
• Licensed and a member in good standing with the South Carolina Bar (eligibility for a limited certificate for admission may be considered)

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Acts as a Lead by guiding the work of others who perform essentially the same work.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: 90%

Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: 100%

WORKING CONDITIONS

None: %

WORK SCHEDULE

Standard Hours:

37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Expected Salary Range

Commensurate - Experience

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives, and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION

Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE

August 28, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN

Military Equivalency

Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference

South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions or issues.

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.