Senior Vice President & General Counsel

University of Rochester•Rochester, NY

46d

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. Reporting directly to the President, the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the University of Rochester is the chief legal officer of the University and is a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to the resolution of many of the most important issues that affect the University. The Senior Vice President and General Counsel also provides direct advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees on legal issues, governance, and related topics. The Senior Vice President and General Counsel will manage the Office of Counsel and provide day-to-day legal counsel on issues, policies, technology, contracts, transactions, claims, litigations, proceedings and risks that concern the University and its owned or controlled affiliate entities, for the Trustees, President, Vice Presidents (including the Provost and the Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and CEO of the Medical Center), other senior leaders, administrators, faculty and staff, including the members of the Medical Center Board and the officers and directors of the University’s wholly owned or controlled affiliates. The Senior Vice President and General Counsel makes employment decisions about and supervises the attorneys and other staff employed in the Office of Counsel of the University and the Medical Center and is responsible for retaining and supervising the work of outside counsel when appropriate. This position oversees a staff of 22 attorneys and 15 allied professional staff, including the Deputy General Counsel and the Deputy General Counsel for Health Sciences and Chief Counsel to the Medical Center.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited institution, or equivalent.
Admitted and in good standing, or eligible for admission, to the New York State bar (admission may occur within one year after hiring).
Minimum of 15 years of relevant legal experience in roles of increasing scope and responsibility.
Proven success as a leader in a significant legal leadership role either as the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel of a public or private company, or of an academic institution, or a partner in a law firm managing complex matters on behalf of university clients, working effectively with various constituencies.
Experience involving U.S. laws that govern or affect higher education, research, or health care and related risk management and compliance issues.
Experience managing a team of lawyers and professionals spanning a wide range of legal expertise.
Experience interacting with and advising boards of directors in a fiduciary capacity on governance-related issues; familiarity with the work of fiduciary boards, particularly the oversight of material risks, investigations and matters that affect the reputation of the University.
Understanding of the wide range of legal issues relating to a non-profit academic institution with a medical center, including hospitals and related healthcare affiliates.
Management and protection of intellectual property experience.
Experience managing financial budget of the Office of Counsel, especially outside counsel selection and negotiation and management of services and fees.

Nice To Haves

Preferred candidates will have a track record as a General Counsel or comparable executive experience with a higher education institution or similar environment.
Candidates with experience managing the legal issues relevant to a research university with an academic medical center will be most compelling.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership on all legal and risk management matters: Manage and oversee the Office of Counsel
Build, lead, and mentor an effective, efficient, and motivated legal team of attorneys and other legal professionals
Assign and manage caseloads and projects within the legal office; oversee services and outcomes to ensure timely and competent delivery of legal services across the University
Foster a collaborative and supportive working environment within the office and with university clients
Provide legal advice to ensure compliance and protect university interests: Research laws, court opinions, government regulations, and legal requirements
Draft or review contracts, leases, licenses, deeds, and other legal documents or instruments and/or negotiate amendments thereto to achieve favorable terms for the University
Analyze legal problems or issues presented by university clients and provide advice accordingly
Represent the University in judicial and governmental proceedings: Serve as the University’s counsel of record in proceedings and investigations
Initiate or respond to legal discovery
Litigate cases or negotiate resolution of cases
Supervise in-house attorneys and assess need for, contract with, and supervise, outside counsel
Serve as a resource for informed decision-making, policy development, and problem solving: Analyze legal aspects or legal issues involved in decisions
Draft or revise university policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance
Serve as counsel and provide advice for university subsidiaries and affiliates in their decision-making and policy creation responsibilities or serve as liaison on legal matters when subsidiaries and affiliates have separate counsel.
Educate and inform university personnel about legal requirements and risks: Create, prepare, and present educational or training materials on legal issues
Respond to legal questions from campus clients as they arise.
Manage and coordinate the provision of all legal services: Ensure the provision of high-quality, cost-effective, and reliable legal services for the University
Provide and oversee the provision of in-house legal services
Retain and supervise outside counsel to provide legal services for the University
Manage the legal budget and costs of legal services.