Associate General Counsel Research & Intellectual Property

University of Notre Dame•Notre Dame, IN

2d•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 related campus initiatives. This role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to Notre Dame's vision as a leading global Catholic research institution. The attorney will collaborate with senior leaders, providing clarity, perspective, and sound judgment on strategic and operational matters. Serving as a strategic legal partner, the role involves advising campus organizations and senior leadership on a wide range of issues, addressing complex transactional and intellectual property law concerns, and fostering mission-based decision-making. Working within the Office of General Counsel, this position will help safeguard the University while supporting 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
Alignment with and appreciation for the mission and values of the University of Notre Dame
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

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 University's technology commercialization arm.
Offer strategic direction and transactional support for the deployment and dissemination of University discoveries, including technology identification and protection.
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 involvement in OIT transactions.
Support campus initiatives such as artificial intelligence implementation.
Address data privacy and security concerns, both domestic and international.
Serve as a subject matter expert in various areas of 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.
Handle matters 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 legal and regulatory developments within assigned practice areas and maintain current subject matter expertise.
Identify emerging risks and best practices, and proactively develop and deliver education, guidance, and training to campus partners.
Provide additional legal support to other areas of the University as assigned.