Associate General Counsel Research & Intellectual Property

University of Notre Dame•Notre Dame, IN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Notre Dame is seeking a dynamic and strategic attorney to support a broad portfolio including intellectual property, sponsored programs and research, technology commercialization, and other related efforts. This role offers a vital opportunity to contribute to Notre Dame's vision as a premier global Catholic research institution. The Associate General Counsel will collaborate with senior leaders, providing clarity, perspective, and sound judgment on strategic and operational initiatives. As a legal partner, they will serve as a trusted advisor to campus organizations and senior leadership on a wide range of issues, working across disciplines to address complex transactional and intellectual property law concerns while advancing a mission-based approach to decision-making. This position works in close collaboration with the Office of General Counsel to safeguard the University and support innovation and growth.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability to obtain admission in Indiana, if required
Significant experience practicing in and strong working knowledge of intellectual property and transactional law
Proven ability to provide responsive and proactive legal guidance to clients
Exceptional judgment, analytical skills, and written and verbal communication abilities
Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously in a complex, fast-paced environment
Highest commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and ethics
At least 7 years of relevant professional experience

Nice To Haves

Experience in extramurally funded research support and/or technology transfer
Experience developing and delivering legal training/education
Alignment with and appreciation for the mission and values of the University of Notre Dame

Responsibilities

Provide legal representation for the initiation, administration, and conduct of internally and externally sponsored research, including compliance infrastructure for human subject protection, animal care and use.
Provide substantial transactional oversight and involvement in research-related projects.
Provide direct, day-to-day legal support to the IDEA Center, the technology commercialization arm of the University’s Research organization.
Offer strategic direction and transactional support for the deployment and dissemination of University discoveries, including technology identification and protection (in concert with outside counsel).
Provide legal representation in third-party interactions such as licensing, collaborative relationships, and intellectual property disputes.
Advise on the operation of a University-managed venture capital fund related to University technologies.
Provide strategic operational and legal support to the University’s Office of Information Technologies (OIT), including OIT transactions and support for campus initiatives like artificial intelligence implementation.
Address data privacy and security concerns, both domestic and international.
Serve as a subject matter expert in intellectual property law, including copyright, trademark, and patent licensing.
Address day-to-day operational issues related to the development and use of intellectual property in academic and administrative affairs, such as academic publishing, use of electronic library resources, museum transactions and holdings, and trademark licensing.
Respond to related third-party inquiries or claims.
Monitor and stay current on developments and emerging legal and regulatory trends in areas of responsibility.
Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain deep subject matter expertise.
Identify areas of relevant subject matter-related risk and best practices.
Develop and deliver education and training programs to campus partners.
Provide additional legal support to other areas of the University as assigned.