Associate General Counsel
The University of Michigan (U-M) Office of the Vice President and General Counsel (OGC) represents U-M's Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses and Michigan Medicine. OGC is seeking an outstanding attorney to help our clients flourish and fulfill their educational, research, patient care, and entrepreneurial missions while complying with the myriad legal and policy requirements applicable to public research universities.
The primary focus of the search will be on candidates with significant experience in general business law and counseling; drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and software and technology agreements; governmental and municipal law; government contracting; environmental law; and sponsored research. The University also will give serious consideration to extraordinary, analytically gifted candidates who have a demonstrated ability and desire to learn new, complicated areas of law and policy and provide wise, practical advice and counsel across a wide range of issues. The role ultimately will be tailored to the unique qualifications and experiences of the selected candidate as those talents relate to client needs and other OGC team members' areas of expertise and workloads.
The attorney will play an important role in advancing the University's academic and business objectives and in protecting the University's overall interests by promoting effective risk management and a culture of ethics, integrity, and compliance. Other responsibilities may include service on University committees; policy development and review; and creating and delivering training programs. In this dynamic and fast-paced workplace, the attorney should be enthusiastic about taking a client-centered, business-oriented, collegial approach to representing a world-class public research institution.
Required Qualifications
- A J.D. and at least five years of related substantive experience as an attorney.
- Strong academic and professional credentials.
- Intellectually curious and able to learn new practice areas quickly.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple, complex, time-sensitive assignments simultaneously with a high degree of organization and effectiveness.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to listen and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Good judgment and creative, practical problem-solving skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity to diversity.
- Collegiality and a willingness to go the extra mile to support colleagues.
- Commitment to expeditious, extraordinary service to our clients and the dedication to work the hours it takes to meet those very high expectations.
- Integrity and a strong moral and ethical compass.
- Admission to the State Bar of Michigan or eligibility for admission.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience and training at a top tier law firm.
- At least seven years of substantive experience as an attorney.
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission of higher education and public research institutions.
- Experience working at a college or university.
- Proven success in helping clients improve business processes and policies.
- Experience supervising outside counsel.
Salary is commensurate with experience.
The University of Michigan is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and believes that diversity, broadly defined, is integral to institutional excellence.