Vice President and General Counsel

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

20d • Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President and General Counsel (GC) is Cornell’s chief legal officer and a member of the President’s Cabinet. Reporting directly to the President and to the Board Chair, the GC serves as a key legal, policy, and governance advisor to the President, Board of Trustees, and university leadership. The GC leads the Office of General Counsel, including 20+ attorneys across four practice areas, and oversees all outside counsel. The role encompasses legal oversight for all Cornell campuses and operations, including Weill Cornell Medicine.

Requirements

• A J.D. from an accredited law school; admission to the New York Bar or eligibility within one year.
• At least fifteen years of legal practice, preferably including experience in higher education, academic medicine, complex research institutions, government, or comparable nonprofit entities.
• Deep knowledge of higher‑education‑related legal areas, including compliance, employment, academic and research issues, governance, real estate, intellectual property, and litigation management.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior leaders, exercise sound judgment, and address complex, multidisciplinary issues.

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic legal advice across academic, research, clinical, administrative, and business functions.
• Overseeing litigation, regulatory matters, investigations, and enterprise compliance efforts.
• Advising on policy development, governance, and Board matters, including supervision of the Secretary of the Corporation.
• Supporting major transactions, research partnerships, technology transfer, global programs, capital projects, real estate, and construction.
• Ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, including matters related to the land‑grant colleges.
• Upholding academic freedom, free expression, and the university’s foundational principles.
• Leading and developing a high‑performing, collaborative legal team across multiple locations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree