Associate General Counsel

This position serves as legal counsel for the University of Arizona on transactional matters within assigned areas of responsibility. Serving as legal counsel requires advising decision-makers within the University on the legal risks and obligations associated with their duties as employees or board members. Areas of emphasis may include general transactional matters such as reviewing and drafting contracts, risk assessment, advice regarding public procurement and contract compliance, information technology security, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, and intellectual property, including trademarks, copyright, and licensing. The position may assist current attorneys in the office, as needed, in the areas of real estate, construction, major gifts, governance and affiliated entities, and finance matters. In performing these duties, the individual will provide legal advice utilizing discretion and professionalism, and in compliance with the highest ethical standards applicable to attorneys serving public institutions.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here. (http://talent.arizona.edu/)

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice to the University on general business and transactional matters, including the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts.
• Advise University administrators and staff on risk assessment, contract interpretation, and compliance considerations.
• Assist with dispute resolution related to contractual matters, including pre-litigation strategy and coordination with litigation counsel as needed.
• Provide training and outreach to campus stakeholders on contract processes, legal requirements, and risk management.
• Work collaboratively with the offices of procurement, risk management, business affairs, audit, facilities, real estate, and research contracting as part of delivering coordinated legal services across functional areas.
• Assist with legal issues relating to intellectual property, including copyright, trademark, and licensing matters and support the review and negotiation of intellectual property provisions in research, technology, software, licensing and sponsorship agreements.
• Collaborate with the attorneys and support team in the Office of the General Counsel, as well as University administrators, staff, and faculty and effectively interact with outside counsel, other governmental offices, University-affiliated organizations, and the Arizona Board of Regents.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with clients and outside counsel to support effective collaboration and service delivery.
• Monitor legal developments and emerging issues relevant to higher education transactions and advise clients accordingly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, complex, team-oriented environment, working efficiently and independently on multiple time-sensitive matters, and to prioritize effectively.
• Ability to work collegially, professionally, compassionately, and in a tactful manner with University stakeholders, including providing clear and effective communication on legal matters.
• Ability to analyze legal issues, interpret applicable laws and regulations, and apply sound judgment in advising on transactional matters.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications:

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, eligible for admission to the State Bar of Arizona under applicable Arizona Supreme Court Rules, and required to become an active member of the State Bar of Arizona within one (1) year of appointment.
• Minimum of three years of relevant legal experience practicing law.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience advising various stakeholders on a wide variety of transactional matters within a complex organizational environment.
• Experience advising on intellectual property matters such as trademarks, licensing, and copyright.
• Experience with or knowledge of Arizona laws, rules, and regulations affecting public entities, including procurement, contracting, and public records.
• Experience working independently and as part of a collaborative legal team.