2025-05-11
Harvard University
Other
/yr
employee
contract
Cambridge
Massachusetts
02163
United States
Harvard University
Position Title: University Attorney
Req ID: 68224BR
School or Unit: Office of the General Counsel
Description: Job Summary
Harvard University's Office of the General Counsel is responsible for all legal work in furtherance of Harvard's teaching and research mission. The Office strives to render timely and thoughtful advice on the broad range of legal issues that Harvard leadership, administrators, and faculty confront in their work on behalf of the University. The Office is organized on the model of a small law firm, comprising attorneys with experience in private practice, higher education, and government, who are both generalists capable of handling a wide variety of legal matters and specialists with expertise in key areas. The Office embraces a team culture, collaborating and consulting with colleagues and with outside counsel as appropriate.
Position Description
Harvard University seeks an attorney experienced in complex and high-profile litigation, governmental and internal investigations and other disputes for the position of University Attorney in the Office of the General Counsel. The University Attorney primarily will be responsible for providing legal counsel on a wide range of litigation, investigations, agency proceedings, other disputes and related matters. In addition to handling and assisting with litigation, investigations and disputes (managing and working with outside counsel), the University Attorney also will advise on related practice areas relevant to educational institutions. Other responsibilities will include policy development, training, and related duties.
Basic Qualifications
JD with a minimum of ten years' relevant experience at a law firm, in-house, and/or government. Admission to practice in Massachusetts, or willingness to obtain admission to practice within two years.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Strong research, writing, analytical and counseling skills. Ability to balance multiple and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to communicate well with a broad range of clients and manage and advise on litigation, investigations, disputes and related issues. Strong interpersonal skills, judgment, and empathy. Ability to learn new areas of law quickly and handle a variety of legal matters that may arise at a large research university outside of the disputes practice area. Experience practicing law in Washington, DC a plus.
Working Conditions
This position involves a hybrid work schedule (currently three days onsite/two days remote). The Office of the General Counsel may alter this schedule as the office's needs and circumstances change. Non-local candidates may be considered.
Complying with the office's work location requirements is a condition of continued employment.
We welcome applicants who bring varied perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, and expertise to advance the work of the department in service to Harvard's mission.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/benefits-wellbeing) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
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