Strategic University Counsel — Complex Business Transactions

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University’s Office of the General Counsel seeks an exceptional attorney to serve as a strategic advisor on complex business and transactional matters across the University. You will lead structuring, negotiation and execution of sophisticated agreements and provide practical advice to advance Stanford’s mission.

The role requires outstanding judgment, strong business acumen, and a collaborative approach within a high‑performing legal team.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible experience in business or transactional law.
• Bar admission in California or eligibility to register as in-house counsel.
• Experience leading and negotiating complex commercial transactions.
• Excellent legal analysis, drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong client service skills with ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, ethics, integrity and adaptability.
• Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills and ability to build trusted relationships.
• Residency in the Bay Area and in-office attendance at least three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to University clients on complex commercial and transactional matters.
• Lead structuring, negotiation and execution of sophisticated commercial agreements.
• Provide practical solutions that advance the University’s objectives across a wide range of matters.
• Identify and manage legal and regulatory risks in a highly regulated environment.
• Partner with clients to understand objectives and provide clear, practical advice.
• Collaborate with the GCOC team to provide coordinated advice to clients.
• Advise on privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, and related regulatory considerations.

Skills

Legal analysis

Drafting

Negotiation

Communication

Client service

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Bar admission (CA or eligible)

Job description

Stanford University’s Office of the General Counsel seeks an exceptional attorney to serve as a strategic advisor on complex business and transactional matters across the University. You will lead structuring, negotiation and execution of sophisticated agreements and provide practical advice to advance Stanford’s mission.

The role requires outstanding judgment, strong business acumen, and a collaborative approach within a high‑performing legal team.