Associate General Counsel

Clemson University; South Carolina; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University seeks an experienced Associate General Counsel to provide legal advice on compliance with federal and state law, focusing on FOIA responses and supporting litigation efforts. The role requires independent work and coordination with senior attorneys.

You will draft policies, review legislation, perform legal research, and advise university administrators, faculty and staff across areas. JD with 10+ years and SC Bar membership preferred.

Qualifications

• JD or equivalent from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 10 years of attorney experience.
• Strong knowledge of FOIA processes and government disclosure laws.
• Experience supporting university litigation and advising administrators.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to Clemson University administrators, faculty and staff across multiple areas.
• Draft and interpret university policies, standards and procedures and review legislation.
• Prepare FOIA responses and manage document review and redaction for requests.
• Support litigation efforts and coordinate with outside counsel; assist with witness prep and updates.

Skills

FOIA response experience

Litigation support

Legal research

Policy interpretation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Licensed to practice law in South Carolina (SC Bar)

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:

• 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%)
• 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%)
• 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%)
• 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%)

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:

• Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: 100%
• Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: 90%

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 25, 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.

Clemson University is calling...are you ready to answer the call? One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others. Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond. So,... are you ready?