Law Fellow, Office of General Counsel

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Salary Range

Overview

The Office of the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Yale University has an opening for a full-time law fellow for the academic-year term to begin in July 2026. The Office, which includes 23 attorneys, is responsible for overseeing or conducting the legal affairs of the university, serving as in-house counsel to the central administration and the administrations of Yale College, the graduate and professional schools, and their constituent departments, as well as coordinating the work of outside counsel when used. This fellowship provides attorneys early in their careers with an excellent and unique opportunity to develop legal research and writing skills and other experience in a wide variety of fields, including education law, federal and state regulation, commercial and corporate law, health law, intellectual property, real estate, and litigation, all within the context of a major research university. The Office of the General Counsel is also responsible for advising on the federal and state relations of the university, including communications and commentary on issues concerning higher education to federal and state officials and government agencies. Work will include legal and fact research, the drafting of memoranda, correspondence, and legal documents, and a variety of other tasks under the supervision of the office’s attorneys. Strong academic credentials and well-developed writing skills are important qualifications for this position. This position is available for a single academic year term, with a possibility for a one-year extension, and does not lead to continuing employment.

Required Skills and Abilities

Advanced writing skills with strong academic credentials.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Researches and drafts memoranda, opinions, and correspondence on a wide range of legal issues. 2. Reviews and drafts contracts and policies under the supervision of counsel. 3. Analyzes University policies and procedures for compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. 4. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

J.D.

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Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.