Deputy General Counsel

Furman University•Lexington, MA

11d

About The Position

The Deputy General Counsel will be a senior member of the Office of General Counsel and will serve as a key advisor to the Vice President and General Counsel. The successful candidate must be able to manage a demanding and wide-ranging practice, exercise sound legal and practical judgment, and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. The candidate will be expected to handle significant and complex matters and transactions from beginning to end with minimal supervision.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
Licensed to practice law in the State of South Carolina, or eligible for licensure within a reasonable time from the date of hire.
A minimum of 5 years of recent experience as a practicing attorney, with substantial proficiency and depth in one or more of the following areas: drafting and negotiating sophisticated agreements, civil litigation, employment, research and sponsored programs, Division 1 college athletics, and/or privacy laws.
A solid working knowledge of the legal, academic, and operational issues relevant to the operations of a liberal arts institution, with willingness to develop new subject matter expertise as client needs dictate.
Strong research and analytical skills, coupled with sound judgment and the ability to balance legal risks with other priorities.
Capacity to thrive in a collaborative, collegial environment and work independently with a high degree of motivation.
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple, unrelated matters concurrently and to perform effectively under the pressure of frequent interruptions, conflicting demands, and changing priorities.
Demonstrated ability to identify potential legal issues and the long-term implications of policy and legal decisions.
Demonstrated ability to establish relationships with various constituencies; work collaboratively to find solutions to very complex problems; and to lead and participate in complex projects requiring a team approach for resolution.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
High ethical standards, reflecting honesty, integrity, and reliability.
Strong client service orientation and skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a college or university general counsel’s office is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide timely legal advice to university divisions on day-to-day matters pertaining to the operation of the university, including in particular those related to staff employment, tort liability, student issues, athletics, research and sponsored programs, and data privacy and security.
Review, draft, and negotiate contracts on behalf of the University. Develop and maintain legal templates, forms, and guidance documents.
Assist policy makers in drafting, revising, and implementing institutional policies and procedures and provide advice regarding the legal implications of institutional policies and initiatives.
Coordinate litigation and other significant legal matters in consultation with the Vice President and General Counsel; gather information and manage discovery for litigation and administrative investigations.
Manage responses to subpoenas, document requests, records inquiries, and data privacy requests in coordination with relevant offices.
Conduct legal research and provide advice on legal and regulatory issues affecting the university.
Provide guidance and support to other members of the Office of General Counsel, as appropriate, and contribute to the effective administration and operation of the office.
Serve as the Vice President and General Counsel’s designee on University committees, working groups, and other institutional matters, as appropriate.
In the absence of the Vice President and General Counsel, exercise such authority and responsibility as may be delegated by the Vice President and General Counsel.
Maintain strong relationships across the University to provide accessible, solutions-oriented counsel that supports Furman’s mission and priorities.
Work on special projects in response to needs as assigned by the General Counsel and perform duties as required and/or assigned by the VPGC.