General Counsel - The University of Chicago : Job Details

DepartmentPresident University Leadership About the Department Founded in 1890 by John D. Rockefeller, the University of Chicago is one of the world's leading universities and widely known for its research eminence, its excellent faculty, graduate programs that rank at or near the top of their respective fields, a consistently strong and increasingly diverse student body, and impressive, constantly improved fundraising and endowment growth. The University is located primarily in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.The Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) is responsible for providing advice and services to University officials on a very broad set of legal issues associated with the University's activities, including transactional and intellectual property matters, policy formulation and compliance, employment and student issues, and dispute resolution.Job Information

Job Summary:

Reporting directly to the President and serving as a strategic partner to and member of the President's executive team, the General Counsel (GC) assists in supporting the highest ambitions of the University's teaching and learning, research, and engagement goals and has overall responsibility for the vision, leadership and execution of the university's legal strategy. Overseeing all of the University's legal affairs, the General Counsel directs its Office of Legal Counsel comprised of eleven attorneys. The General Counsel brings expertise and strategy to matters of great importance to the President, Trustees, and University leadership.

Responsibilities:

• Advise the President, University Trustees, and other senior administrators and academic leaders on legal issues.
• Responsible for an array of in-house legal services, including but not limited to judicial and administrative litigation, corporate partnerships, federally funded research, conflicts of interest, government investigations, regulatory and compliance, and intellectual property issues.
• Generate plans to achieve University goals in ways that simplify processes and creates sustainable solutions.
• Manage contract and legal matters involving the University's contract operations for two Department of Energy laboratories, Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab.
• Advise the University's international affiliates on global legal affairs.
• Coordinate and inform the development of University policies with key business leaders.
• Maintain relationships and manage all outside counsel.
• Oversee the finances and budget for legal matters.
• Working closely with the Office of the Secretary, directly support pertinent Board of Trustee committees and related governance matters.
• Identify potential legal issues and developing risk mitigation strategies.

Competencies:

• Ability to build strong relationships internally and externally, communicate effectively to non-lawyers, and demonstrate a consultative demeanor to build rapport and establish credibility.
• Ability to inspire trust and confidence, serving as a key resource to the University's trustees, leadership team, faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Superb analytical and communication skills, bringing the ability to examine challenges creatively and propose innovative and effective solutions.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and an evolving role.
• Brings and inspires an innovative mindset.
• Ability to operate at a high level of institutional goals while embracing the level of detail and nuance inherently a part of complex legal matters.
• Ability to be resilient and strategic in the context of constantly changing external circumstances and evolving opportunities.
• Creative and collaborative team member who is motivated by shared success.
• Appreciation for UChicago's distinct culture, core values, and commitment to fostering an environment that champions free and open discourse, diversity and inclusion.

Additional Requirements

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• J.D. or other advanced degree required.

Experience:

• Extensive legal expertise and senior leadership experience required.
• Significant experience leading legal matters and functions within a large, complex, research-based enterprise required.
• A demonstrated understanding and familiarity with government contracts and government relations required.
• Record of accomplishment and demonstrated success in legal outcomes required.
• Proven track-record of success in serving as a strategic advisor and thought partner to executive and senior leadership preferred.
• Proven track-record of managing complex budgets, projects and achieving financial goals preferred.
• Experience working with a range of stakeholders across academia, business, government, and education preferred.
• Experience attracting, developing, motivating, and retaining top legal talent at all levels required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must be licensed to practice law in Illinois or in at least one United States jurisdiction, and will be required to seek admission to the Illinois Bar and maintain good standing.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefit EligibilityYesRequires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination RequirementNoPay FrequencyMonthlyPay RangeDepends on QualificationsScheduled Weekly Hours37.5UnionNon-UnionJob is ExemptYesDrug Test RequiredNoMotor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNoHealth Screen RequiredNoPosting Date2024-11-04Remove from Posting On or Before2025-05-04Posting Statement:

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-###-#### or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.

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