Legal Counsel

Job Duties:

• Prepare, analyze and review a variety of contracts with vendors, banking institutions, students, and other third parties (examples include, Enrollment Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements Consulting Agreements, Purchase Orders, Lease Agreements, etc.).
• Draft, develop and update contract templates and other forms used by the University.
• Develop, review, modify, and file organization formation documents.
• Negotiate contracts, alongside personnel, under swift time constraints while meeting deadlines.
• Support University leadership with legal and regulatory advice, and assist on various business transactions.
• Provide support on corporate, real estate, and litigation matters as appropriate.
• Research and analyze the law on complex issues to support business/legal decisions.
• Advise University personnel in a way that ensures compliance with rules and regulations.
• Assist in the development of policies and practices based on federal, state and local legal requirements.
• Prepare responses to inquiries from regulatory agencies, accreditation agencies, and other applicable parties.
• Stay current on legal and regulatory issues affecting the University and the industry.

• Collaborate on various legal, business, and administrative functions as needed.
• Assist with the managing of outside legal counsels, as needed for litigation and corporate transactional issues.

• Develops and implements legal counsel office procedures by analyzing current procedures; recommending changes.
• Periodic review of policies and procedures for compliance with education codes and accreditation standards.
• Protects organization's value by keeping information confidential.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Prepare correspondence as needed within the department.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA-accredited law school required. Licensed or eligible for immediate licensure to practice law in the State of California is required.
• Minimum of five year experience in one of the following fields of practice: corporate/business law, employment and labor, higher education law, health law, intellectual property law, finance/tax law.
• Superior written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, strong emotional intelligence, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to handle a broad range of legal matters both independently and as part of a team.
• The candidate should be eager to expand into areas outside his or her primary area of expertise.
• Experience representing a university or academic research center, or other in-house legal experience a plus.
• Ability to handle legal issues arising out of sponsored and collaborative research as well as working knowledge in drafting and negotiating contracts for a variety of general business transactions preferred.
• Prior experience advising faculty and administrators at a university or academic center desirable.
• Must have excellent work habits, including a willingness to work the hours necessary to get the job done, especially when important deadlines cause greater than normal departmental pressures.
• Demonstrate excellent judgment, analytical ability, critical thinking and risk management skills