Staff Attorney

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Time Type:

Summary/Objective:

The Staff Attorney functions as a generalist and will perform legal services, as assigned by and under the supervision of senior attorneys, to include for example:  legal research, analysis, and writing, drafting policies and procedures, conducting campus-wide trainings related to federal, state and local laws and policies and regulations which impact institutional operations, responding to subpoenas, and preparing other legal documents

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Conduct legal research using current technical resources, and based on that research, analyze and articulate the legal concepts flowing from that research. 

2. Effectively communicate legal advice, research and analysis, both orally and in writing, to a diverse campus-wide audience.  Establish productive and collaborative working relationships across a multitude of University offices. 

3. Draft a range of legal documents, including but not limited to contracts, leases, and responses to administrative agency complaints

4. Exercise sound independent judgement and engage proactively to issue spot and problem solve.

5. Provide litigation support, including preparing litigation holds and related tasks, coordinating discovery, reviewing pleadings and motions, conducting legal research and analysis, case file management, and supporting pre-trial logistics.

6. Maintain case files in a timely manner, utilizing the electronic case management system by uploading relevant case documents, correspondence and related documents and maintaining current status notes. 

7. Other duties as assigned based on the needs of the office.

Competencies:

• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions

• Developing Plans

• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• 35 hours per week; generally, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm with occasional work outside of normal work hours as required by the needs or operational requirements of the office or University.  After an initial orientation/onboarding period, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work modality pursuant to the needs of the office and AU’s policies. ​

Salary Range:

• $100,000 - $110,000/year

Required Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor

• 2-4 years of relevant experience as a practicing lawyer or in a closely related field.

• DC bar membership or eligibility for membership within twelve months of hiring date.

• Experience with legal research, writing and analysis

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Background in higher education law and experience with transactional/contract law, intellectual property, such as trademark, copyright, and patents.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable):

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.