University Counsel

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

Job summary

Stanford University is seeking an exceptional University Counsel to advise on a wide range of legal matters across the university, including higher education governance, compliance, contracts, and risk management. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the successful candidate will work independently and with OGC colleagues and outside counsel in a dynamic, cutting-edge environment.

The role requires JD from an accredited school, at least six years of progressively responsible experience,

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience, ideally in higher education or related field.
• Membership in the California Bar or ability to qualify as registered in-house counsel in California.
• Excellent legal analysis, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with colleagues across disciplines.
• Strong client service orientation and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to integrity, discretion, and professional ethics.
• Willingness to attend in-office work at least three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and advice across the University.
• Advise on applicable state and federal laws, regulations, governance, accreditation, compliance, contracts, and risk management.
• Collaborate with University units on policies and operations to support compliance.
• Advise on development and review of contracts, policies, procedures, legislation, and other legal issues.
• Respond to demand letters and handle agency investigations as necessary.

Skills

Juris Doctor

In-house/University counsel experience

California Bar eligibility

Contract drafting & negotiation

Legal research & analysis

Client service

Cross-functional collaboration

Discretion & ethics

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

The Office of the General Counsel is seeking an exceptional attorney to advise on a wide range of legal matters across the university related to the work of higher education. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel and Managing Attorney, the University Counsel will advise campus partners on initiatives that advance the University's inspiring mission and strategic objectives. This position requires discretion, flexibility, and the ability to understand and manage projects with competing interests in a constantly changing, cutting-edge environment. The successful candidate must be able to work independently while also partnering with OGC colleagues and working with outside counsel.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

The expected salary range is $210,000 - $275,000 per annum.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and advice across the University.
• Advise members of the University community on applicable state and federal laws, regulations, governance, accreditation, compliance, contracts, and institutional risk management.
• Collaborate with University units on initiatives, policies, and operations to support compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Advise on the development and review of contracts, policies, procedures, legislation, regulations, and other legal issues affecting the University.
• Respond to demand letters and handle agency investigations as necessary.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience gained in private practice or as in-house counsel, ideally in the higher education space.
• Membership in the California Bar or another state’s bar, with the ability to qualify as registered in-house counsel in California upon starting.
• Excellent legal analysis, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear and practical advice.
• Ability to learn and adapt to the changing needs of a full service in-house legal office working in a cross-disciplinary manner across multiple subject matters.
• Strong client service skills with a capacity to solve complicated issues independently, in collaboration with colleagues, and often both.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, ethics, integrity, and adaptability, with the ability to manage competing priorities and a broad range of client needs in a dynamic academic environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships, share knowledge and perspectives, and contribute to a collegial, high-performing legal team.
• A deep dedication to client service and an appreciation for the transformative mission of higher education.
• In-office attendance at least three days per week is required.

The final candidate will need to successfully pass a background check to be considered for this position.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the University reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.