Associate General Counsel

$171,100-$220,000 annually; commensurate with experience.

A. POSITION PURPOSE
The Associate General Counsel provides a high level of professional legal service to Santa
Clara University. The Associate General Counsel will work closely, collaboratively, and
proactively with University leadership and other personnel, providing advice and counsel on a
broad range of legal issues impacting the University. The Associate General Counsel is a key
team member within the Office of the General Counsel and serves as the back-up to the
General Counsel as needed.

The Associate General Counsel will serve as a generalist, and specific areas of practice may
include, but are not limited to, business transactions, intellectual property, research, real estate,
construction, academic matters, compliance and regulatory
matters, risk management, and other areas as needed.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
The responsibilities described below are representative of those that must be met by the
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position:

• Provides legal counsel and guidance to University leadership and other personnel on a wide range of legal matters pertaining to the University’s activities and operations. The duties of the position may include, but are not limited to, business transactions, intellectual property, research, real estate, construction, academic matters, compliance and regulatory matters, risk management, and other areas as needed.

• Anticipates, identifies, and addresses legal issues in order to develop legal strategies and solutions in matters involving the University’s activities and operations.

• Reviews, consults on, and drafts, as necessary, University policies and procedures.

• Reviews, consults on, and drafts, as necessary, contracts with third parties, including but not limited to contracts for the purchase of goods and services, real estate transactions, construction projects, and affiliation agreements.

• Designs and delivers training as needed to the campus community on legal issues impacting the University’s activities and operations.

• Participates in the supervision of the response to subpoenas served on the University.

• Remains current on developments in the law that will impact the University and its operations.

• Serves on and/or advises University committees as a representative of the Office of the General Counsel.

• Develops and fosters strong relationships with University stakeholders to create meaningful partnerships that will advance the University’s mission.

• Engages in continuous education and professional development in the legal practice through seminars, professional affiliations (including but not limited to the National Association of Colleges and University Attorneys), and other means.

• Performs other duties as assigned, required, or requested.

• The statements provided above describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the Associate General Counsel. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties assigned.

Essential Performance Expectations:

• Demonstrated ability to provide high quality legal advice and counsel to University leadership and other personnel on a wide range of legal issues.

• Knowledge of the broad range of laws and regulations that apply to and govern the University’s activities and operations.

• Ability to navigate a wide range of legal issues in a complex organization with multiple stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, with appropriate exercise of good judgment and discretion.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the demonstrated ability to express legal concepts, advice, and opinions clearly, effectively, and accurately.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and establish strong, trusted relationships with different constituencies, including senior administration, faculty, managers, and other clients across the University.

• Strong and demonstrated commitment to teamwork, effective client service, collegiality, and collaboration.

• A demonstrated willingness to handle a wide variety of legal issues and learn new and developing areas of the law that impact the University’s activities and operations.

• Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills, including but not limited to the ability to prioritize multiple projects under pressure.

• A strategic thinker who can approach issues and solutions creatively, proactively, and pragmatically.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with colleagues and constituents who may reflect a broad range of identities, perspectives, and experiences, and to promote and contribute to an inclusive and respectful workplace.

• Ability to handle sensitive matters with the highest level of confidentiality.

• Flexibility to work unpredictable hours as needed outside regular business hours.

• Consistent and regular attendance.

• Observes all professional rules of responsibility, performs work with integrity and in accordance with the highest ethical standards.

• Proficiency in Google Suite, Excel, Word, and other relevant software.

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION

Working with the General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel may supervise the activities
of other attorneys, staff, or student interns in the Office of the General Counsel.

D. BASIC AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required
or preferred for the position:
Basic Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school.

• At least 7 years of progressively sophisticated experience as a practicing and licensed attorney in a law firm or in-house legal position. Experience advising institutions of higher education is not required but is preferred.

• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California (or active membership in another state’s bar association with the ability to obtain active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California within one year of start of employment).

• Authorization to work in the United States at the time of employment.

E. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act,
and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons
with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or
other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position
with or without reasonable accommodation.
● This position requires the ability to work in-person at the University at least two (2) to three (3)
business days per week, with the option for some remote work with the approval of the
General Counsel. Specific schedules must be approved in advance and may be
adjusted when needed to meet the needs of the position, the office, and/or the
University.
● May be required to attend meetings, hearings, conferences, or trainings in the Bay Area,
elsewhere in California, or out-of-state.

F. WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
● Typical office environment.
● Mostly indoor office environment with windows.
● Offices with equipment noise.
● Offices with frequent interruptions.

​Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and California State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, see https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/policies-reports/

The health and safety of the University community is a top priority. The University strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as the vaccination and boosters are safe, effective tools that significantly minimize the chances of serious illness and hospitalization. Please contact Human Resources if you have any questions.

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Santa Clara University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender, and prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Information about Title IX can be found at www.scu.edu/title-ix. Information about Section 504 and the ADA Coordinator can be found at https://www.scu.edu/oae/, (408) 554-4109, oae@scu.edu. Inquiries can also be made to the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).   

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please go to the Campus Safety Services  website . To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Santa Clara University affirms its commitment to employ qualified individuals with disabilities within the workplace and to comply with the Americans with Disability Act. All applicants desiring an accommodation should contact the Department of Human Resources, and 408-554-5750 and request to speak to Indu Ahluwalia by phone at 408-554-5750 or by email at iahluwalia@scu.edu.