Senior University Counsel

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 175,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida seeks a Senior University Counsel (Real Estate) to provide legal guidance on real estate, construction, and public finance matters across the campus.

The role involves managing leases, financing, and contract matters, and representing the University in transactions, while collaborating with multiple offices to ensure compliance and strategic outcomes.

Qualifications

• Law degree (L.L.B. or J.D.) and seven years' experience as an attorney.
• Must be a member of the Florida Bar or become a member within twelve months of employment.
• Experience advising on real estate, construction and public finance matters; leases and financing.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on real estate, construction and public finance issues.
• Advise on leases, contracts, and financing for University properties.
• Draft, review and negotiate agreements; represent the University in related transactions.
• Advise on compliance with state and federal laws affecting universities.
• Coordinate with Real Estate, CFO, Construction, Facilities & Real Estate offices and other affiliates.

Skills

Real estate law

Public finance

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Attorney

Education

Law degree (LL.B. or J.D.)

Job description

Senior University Counsel

Job No: 541092

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support, Legal/Audit Services/Compliance

Department: 22010000 - GN-MAIN CAMPUS

Classification Title:

Senior University Counsel (Real Estate)

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Law degree (L.L.B. or J.D.) and seven years' experience as an attorney. Must be a member of the Florida Bar or become a member within twelve months of employment.

Job Description:

Provides legal advice and counseling to University clients regarding the full spectrum of real estate, construction, and public finance issues, including:

• Advising on real estate, construction, and public finance matters, including purchase and sale of property, use of space, leases, land use, construction, land development/planning, and financing.
• Advising clients during strategic/transaction/project management related decision-making processes.
• Advising on and assisting with the development and modification of agreement templates, regulations, policies, standard operating procedures, protocols, best practices, training, guidance, and communications.
• Advising on compliance with relevant state and federal laws applicable to universities and entities receiving federal and state funding, including University regulations and policies and those of other governing authorities, including Board of Governors regulations and federal and state agency opinion letters and guidance.
• Identifying and assessing legal risks, opportunities and relevant changes or emerging trends within the real estate, construction and public finance areas and advise accordingly.
• Working closely with real estate, construction and public finance related clients, including administrators and staff in the University's Office of Real Estate; the Office of the Chief Financial Officer; the Office of Construction, Facilities & Real Estate; Planning, Design & Construction; Facilities Services; Business Affairs; the Health Centers; the Provost's Office; the Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences; University colleges; and University direct support organizations and other affiliates.
• Providing training to clients and stakeholders on legal compliance, policies, and procedures.
• Represent the University in real estate, construction, and public finance transactions, including:
  • Managing all aspects of assigned real estate, construction, and public finance transactions, including research, drafting, reviewing, editing, negotiating, and coordination with outside counsel and consultants on strategic projects.
  • Drafting and negotiating leases for various University units, including related amendments, estoppels, non-disturbance agreements, letters, and supporting the Office of Real Estate in operational matters arising thereunder.
  • Reviewing and negotiating agreements for the financing, construction, renovation, remodeling, maintenance, and repair of University property, including contract administration and interpretation.
  • Conducting research as needed for real estate, construction, and public finance matters.
  • Participating as an advisor to relevant boards, committees and tasks forces of the University, its direct support organizations (DSOs), and affiliates.
  • Managing relationships with and activities of relevant governmental entities and third parties, as well as outside law firms retained to represent the University.
• Advise and represent the University in other legal matters as assigned in such transactional matters as corporate governance, ethics, and other legal issues common to higher education.

Expected Salary:

$175,000-$195,000

Required Qualifications:

Law degree (L.L.B. or J.D.) and seven years' experience as an attorney. Must be a member of the Florida Bar or become a member within twelve months of employment.

Preferred:

Experienced attorney requiring demonstrated proficiency and experience in legal, operational, and governance matters of a large organization. Law degree (J.D.) and at least ten (10) years' experience as an attorney, with the majority of that experience focused in the real estate sector.

• Experience advising clients on matters common to public higher education institutions or other public entities.
• Significant transactional experience focused on real estate, particularly related to complex development, construction, financing, or leasing matters.
• Experience working in a law firm environment or mid to large sized public university legal department with an emphasis on providing high-quality client-focused service.
• Good project manager who can bring various constituencies and stakeholders together to complete projects timely and efficiently.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Team player who is comfortable with a dynamic and changing environment and who emphasizes collaboration and team performance over management hierarchy.
• Ability to manage numerous projects and cases simultaneously under tight deadlines while maintaining a good sense of humor and positive attitude.
• Skilled oral and written communicator, particularly related to the ability to draft clear, concise legal documents.
• Creative thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to stay calm under challenging circumstances.

Health Assessment Required:No

Applications Close:

22 September 2026

Our Commitment:

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.