Assistant/Associate General Counsel

Baylor University•Waco, TX

20d•Onsite

About The Position

Baylor University seeks an experienced attorney to join the Office of General Counsel as either an Assistant or Associate General Counsel. The successful candidate will provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to University leadership, administrators, and departments on a broad range of legal and regulatory matters affecting higher education. The Office of General Counsel serves as a strategic partner to Baylor University in advancing the institution’s Christian mission while managing legal risk and supporting the University’s academic, research, operational, and strategic objectives. Baylor University reserves the right to hire at either the Assistant General Counsel or Associate General Counsel level, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate, experience, demonstrated competencies, subject-matter expertise, and the ability to perform the responsibilities associated with each level. Minimum qualifications for each level are outlined below.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
Licensed to practice law and in good standing in Texas, or ability to obtain Texas licensure within a reasonable period following hire (Assistant General Counsel)
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible legal experience (Assistant General Counsel)
Demonstrated experience advising organizational clients and drafting and negotiating contracts and legal agreements (Assistant General Counsel)
Strong legal research, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills (Assistant General Counsel)
Licensed to practice law and in good standing in Texas (Associate General Counsel)
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible legal experience (Associate General Counsel)
Demonstrated experience advising executive leadership and independently managing complex legal matters (Associate General Counsel)
Significant experience negotiating sophisticated agreements and resolving high-risk legal issues (Associate General Counsel)
Strong strategic thinking, leadership, communication, and relationship-management skills (Associate General Counsel)
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a Full-Time basis.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, healthcare, governmental, nonprofit, other complex institutional environments, or advising such entities as external counsel in a law firm
Experience advising on employment, governance, regulatory compliance, student affairs, athletics, healthcare, research compliance, intellectual property, real estate, or related legal matters
Experience managing outside counsel and litigation strategy
Demonstrated ability to balance legal risk with practical business and operational considerations

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and counsel to University leaders, departments, colleges, and administrative units
Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret contracts, agreements, policies, and other legal documents
Advise on a wide variety of matters, possibly including student affairs, compliance, governance, privacy, risk management, academic affairs, Title IX, civil rights, accommodations and other areas relevant to higher education
Support or lead litigation management, investigations, administrative proceedings, dispute resolution, and the engagement of outside counsel
Assist with policy development, regulatory compliance, and institutional risk management initiatives
Deliver legal training and guidance to University stakeholders
Monitor emerging legal and regulatory developments affecting higher education and advise University leadership accordingly
Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
Ability to comply with University policies
Maintain regular and punctual attendance
Serve as lead counsel on complex, high-impact, and institution-wide legal matters (Associate General Counsel level)
Advise executive leadership, including vice presidents, deans, and governing boards (Associate General Counsel level)
Lead significant negotiations, strategic initiatives, and major institutional projects (Associate General Counsel level)
Develop legal strategy for complex litigation, investigations, and enterprise-wide legal matters (Associate General Counsel level)
Mentor attorneys, legal staff, and law clerks within the Office of General Counsel (Associate General Counsel level)