Associate General Counsel

About the Role

Reporting to the Vice President and General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel provides an array of legal services to the University. The role offers advanced legal counsel and strategic guidance to senior University leadership on a broad range of complex matters, including real estate, facilities operations, tax and financing, commercial transactions, investments, advancement activities, and corporate governance. Exercises a high degree of independent judgment, manages institutional risk, and coordinates with outside counsel as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Real Estate, Facilities, and Construction - Serves as primary legal advisor to the Vice President for Facilities Operations and related stakeholders on complex real estate and facilities matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, land use, zoning, and construction. Drafts, reviews, and negotiates sophisticated agreements and transactional documents. Identifies and mitigates legal and operational risks. Oversees and directs outside counsel on specialized matters.
• Commercial Transactions - Provides legal counsel to University departments and administrative units on a wide range of general contracts, commercial transactions, and institutional initiatives. Drafts, reviews, and negotiates agreements, including vendor contracts, service agreements, and other commercial instruments. Supports cross-functional and enterprise initiatives by identifying legal risks, structuring solutions, and ensuring alignment with University policies and applicable laws.
• Tax, Finance, and Investments - Provides legal analysis and guidance to the University Treasurer and associated stakeholders on tax compliance, debt financing, and investment activities. Supports structuring and execution of financing transactions and investment arrangements. Drafts and reviews legal documents and coordinates with external counsel and financial professionals to ensure compliance with applicable laws and institutional objectives.
• Advancement and Planned Giving - Advises the Senior Vice President for Advancement and development staff on legal aspects of charitable giving, including planned giving vehicles, endowments, and major gift agreements. Ensures compliance with applicable tax, regulatory, and donor intent requirements. Reviews and drafts complex gift instruments and related documentation.
• Corporate Governance - Provides legal support to University departments on governance and policy interpretation. Drafts and reviews contracts, memoranda, and institutional forms. Contributes to development and implementation of policies that support compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Additional Responsibilities - Handles special projects and performs other duties as assigned consistent with the level and scope of the position. Supervises the activities of outside counsel, external consultants, and a paralegal working in the department on issues related to the portfolio.

Requirements

• JD from an ABA accredited law school, required.
• Minimum of 4 to 6 years’ experience in the practice of law required, with some combination of real estate, commercial, non-profit, or education law, preferred.
• Prior real estate, commercial/corporate transactional, and large firm experience highly desirable.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois.
• Demonstrated capability for legal research, analysis, and reasoning.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion.
• Ability to interact and function effectively in an academic community.
• Proficiency with basic office software programs including Microsoft Office.
• Occasional weekend and evening work, as necessary.
• Infrequent out-of-state travel.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $119,397 to $180,000. The salary range reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education, and other factors including departmental budget.

Benefits

• Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%.
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, and floating holidays.