Assistant/Associate General Counsel

The Associate General Counsel/Assistant General Counsel will engage in a wide-ranging, challenging, fast-paced, and demanding general higher education legal practice with an emphasis on transactional matters. Practice areas will have a primary focus on supporting the University in transactional matters, including the management of contracts by reviewing requests for proposals for legal form, drafting and negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance by the University with applicable federal and state laws and regulations; providing legal advice, counsel, training, and support in the areas of sponsored research, University policies, purchasing, real estate, construction, information technology, data security and privacy, associated entity affairs, and intellectual property matters.

The successful candidate will: perform all job responsibilities consistent with the applicable rules of professional responsibility and expectations of the position; work independently and as a member of a team with minimal oversight and supervision; exercise and demonstrate sound professional judgment; reach and make rapid and accurate recommendations in high-profile and time-sensitive circumstances or matters; demonstrate integrity and treat all members of the University community with respect, irrespective of rank or job title; establish relationships with University constituents/clients through appropriate written, oral, and interpersonal interactions; manage heavy and complex workload by meeting internal and external deadlines and establishing own deadlines to complete and deliver projects and assignments.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:
The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's Office of Legal Affairs provides, manages, and coordinates all legal services for the University. The office provides legal, compliance, and risk management advice on a wide variety of matters to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, senior officers, other University administrators, and faculty and staff acting on behalf of the university. These matters include but are not limited to employment, student affairs, athletics, public records, real property, sponsored programs, intellectual property, purchasing, governance, and civil rights. The office represents the University in administrative proceedings before federal and state agencies and coordinates all litigation matters.

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Degree and Experience Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Excellent academic credentials.
• License to practice law in the State of North Carolina and admission to North Carolina State Bar (or admission within 12 months of hire).
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of the University's operating environment and compliance obligations.
• Excellent research, writing, drafting, and client counseling skills.
• Ability to juggle shifting priorities and multiple demanding projects.
• Detail-oriented and demonstrated experience as an effective team member and excellent judgment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and support for the University's unique mission.
• For appointment as Associate General Counsel: At least six (6) years of relevant, progressively responsible legal experience.
• For appointment Assistant General Counsel: At least three (3) years of relevant, progressively responsible legal experience.
• Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
• Prior representation of higher education clients, in-house counsel experience and/or prior corporate, transactional, and/or compliance experience and experience with litigation and/or responding administrative agencies.
• For appointment as Associate General Counsel: At least eight (8) years of relevant, progressively responsible legal experience.
• For appointment Assistant General Counsel: At least five (5) years of relevant, progressively responsible legal experience.

Required license or certification:
License to practice law in the State of North Carolina and admission to the North Carolina State Bar (or admission within 12 months of hire).