Overview
This role provides strategic, practical, solutions-oriented legal counsel to leadership and University clients on complex commercial and operational matters. The attorney serves as a trusted advisor on complex transactional, operational, regulatory, and emerging legal issues, with primary responsibility for commercial transactions and procurement matters.
The attorney collaborates closely with colleagues across the Office of General Counsel and stakeholders throughout the University to support the organization’s educational, research, and public service missions.
Responsibilities
- Lead legal support for sophisticated commercial transactions, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of agreements typical for large institutions, including complex contractual relationships in areas such as athletics, retail services, healthcare, technology, and research, as well as on entrepreneurial and innovation initiatives.
- Serve as primary legal counsel to procurement and purchasing functions, advising on procurement policies, contracting processes, competitive sourcing, vendor relationships, and complex agreements.
- Provide primary legal support for institutional affiliation agreements with academic institutions, healthcare providers, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, and private sector partners.
- Support additional areas of responsibility as needed, including acquisitions and divestitures of university assets; artificial intelligence; and data privacy and information security.
- Provide practical guidance on risk, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
- Deliver timely, practical legal advice that advances University objectives while managing legal and reputational risk.
- Coordinate with outside counsel when appropriate.
- Collaborate with attorneys and professionals across the Office of General Counsel on matters involving overlapping legal disciplines.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- Ability to become licensed or otherwise authorized to practice in Pennsylvania.
- Minimum of 6 years of relevant legal experience.
- Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
- Strong analytical, judgment, negotiation, problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
If filled as Attorney - General Counsel's Office - Principal Professional, this position requires:
- Juris Doctor (JD) 8+ years of relevant experience
- Required Certifications: Licensed Attorney - Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners
If filled as Attorney - General Counsel's Office - Senior Professional, this position requires:
- Juris Doctor (JD) 6+ years of relevant experience
- Required Certifications: Licensed Attorney - Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience advising higher education institutions, academic medical centers, research institutions, or other large complex organizations.
- Experience with procurement, technology transactions, affiliation agreements, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
- Familiarity with privacy, cybersecurity, data governance, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and innovation initiatives.
- Ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Reporting Relationship
- Reports to the Vice President and General Counsel and works closely with University leadership and clients across the organization’s community.
Work Environment
- Flexible: In-Person, Fully Remote, or Hybrid work arrangements may be considered consistent with university policy and operational needs.
Background Checks / Clearances
- Employment requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
- The organization does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa; applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range (including all possible grades): $172,788.00 - $308,040.00.
Benefits for full-time employees include:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Robust retirement plans
- Substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time)
- 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children
Location
- Work arrangements may be In-Person, Fully Remote, or Hybrid, consistent with university policy and operational needs.
Compliance / Equal Opportunity
- Background check(s) required per University policies.
- Equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.