Assistant University Counsel- Transactional

Fairfield University•Fairfield, CT

58d

About The Position

The University seeks highly qualified candidates for the role of Assistant University Counsel. Reporting to the University Counsel, the Assistant University Counsel - Transactional will provide legal counsel regarding the University's transactional portfolio, particularly with respect to contracts, real estate, data privacy, research, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance (state and federal). Operating in a fast-paced, high volume environment, the Assistant University Counsel - Transactional will act as trusted legal advisor and strategic partner on a broad range of transactional matters including without limitation: affiliation agreements, software contracts, vendor contracts, releases/waivers, research contracts, grants, leases, real estate purchases, regulatory compliance (particularly with respect to data protection and research), tax, trademarks, and intellectual property. As this role will have significant leadership and administrative interaction across the University, this attorney must be uniquely qualified both with respect to transactional experience, as well as interpersonal skills, professionalism, workplace culture, managing client expectations, and operating efficiently in a high-volume environment with limited contractual infrastructure. This attorney must communicate legal advice clearly and effectively to internal clients, as well as negotiate effectively with external parties.

Requirements

Member of the State Bar of Connecticut in good standing or will obtain a Connecticut license through reciprocity within 12 months of hire date. Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
Minimum of five (5) years' experience as a practicing transactional attorney with at least two (2) years in higher education practice.
Excellent understanding of professional ethics and confidentiality, with the ability to handle sensitive issues and communications with accuracy and discretion.
Demonstrated ability to express ideas, opinions, and legal concepts clearly, effectively, and accurately both orally and in writing to non-lawyers.
Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact and maintain productive, cooperative, and supportive relationships with a variety of constituents, including institutional leadership.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintain organized records, and ensure timely completion of assigned work.
Excellent problem-solving skills and creativity, including the ability to work proactively, pragmatically, independently, and collaboratively. A commitment to understanding and responding to the needs of internal stakeholders while upholding legal principles.

Nice To Haves

Preference for prior substantive in-house experience in a higher education institution, including experience with the culture and operational and organizational environment of higher education.

Responsibilities

Serves as the lead institutional contract attorney responsible for implementation of effective and efficient contract systems (manual and/or software), policies, processes, and training.
Prepares, reviews, negotiates, and provides practical legal guidance on all institutional contracts, with particular emphasis on affiliation, software, third-party vendor, research, and international agreements.
Manages the University's real estate legal portfolio and serves as the lead institutional attorney responsible for real estate purchases, leases, and related acquisitions.
Oversees the University's trademark portfolio.
Provides transactional advice and counsel (which must be precise, practical, and tailored to unique client needs) to various University departments and stakeholders. Identifies and mitigates legal risks through implementing strategy to strengthen contract terms, enhance institutional compliance, mitigate institutional risk, and support the University's goals, mission, and strategic direction.
Drafts, reviews, updates, and interprets University policies and procedures, particularly those related to contracts, data privacy, and research.
Serves as the Office subject matter expert on legal AI trends, tools, and opportunities, as well as those related to tech transfer.
Conducts legal research as necessary to provide practical and strategic guidance.
Supports the strategic priorities of the Office of the University Counsel and/or performs other legal duties as assigned.