Assistant/Associate General Counsel

Position Summary

The Assistant/Associate General Counsel works in partnership with senior leaders and administrators across the university to identify and analyze legal issues and risks, present clear and constructive recommendations, and ensure compliance with local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations. Moreover, the Associate General Counsel represents and defends the university’s interests, often in high-profile matters of intense public scrutiny, in negotiations and before state and federal courts and agencies, including drafting responses or reviewing the work of external counsel and appearing on behalf of the university at hearings and other administrative proceedings, as necessary.

OGC is particularly interested in candidates with a transactional focus and competency in an array of related areas of practice. In recent years, OGC’s Associate General Counsel has been responsible for providing legal advice on significant real estate transactions, contracts, housing and landlord-tenant law, and high-profile negotiations with State agencies. OGC is also interested in candidates who may have focused areas of expertise in areas such as employee benefits, bond issues and compliance, and complex tax matters.

The Assistant/Associate General Counsel advises university governance and shared governance bodies and committees in developing policies, procedures, and guidelines in accordance with all laws and regulations. This position works closely with government and community relations staff and legislators with respect to existing and emerging higher education legislation and is expected to keep abreast of legislative and regulatory changes that affect the university’s operations, and to inform and otherwise provide guidance to university leaders regarding same. The Assistant/Associate General Counsel also regularly coordinates with counsel at other public universities in Oregon on issues of mutual concern.

The Office of the General Counsel is committed to supporting and enhancing the diversity of the university community, and welcomes applications from candidates prepared to join us in advancing matters of equity and inclusion on campus.