Assistant General Counsel

Rice University seeks an attorney capable of becoming a higher education generalist. The ideal candidate will have the experience and versatility to solve problems in other areas of practice, including regulatory compliance, labor/employment law, contracts, litigation, business operations, student affairs, nonprofit law, data privacy and security, employee benefits, or corporate governance. As a team, we value excellent attention to detail, versatility, discretion, and creativity. Our collective aim is to represent Rice with the highest standards of civility, courtesy, and legal acumen.

Hiring Range:

The initial base salary for this position is between $175,000-$200,000; the position is also eligible for discretionary bonuses and future promotion opportunities to the ranks of Associate General Counsel and Senior Associate General Counsel. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Minimum Requirements

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• At least 2 years’ experience as a practicing attorney; actively and substantially engaged in the practice of law as the applicant’s principal occupation for at least 2 of the 4 years immediately preceding the application.
• Either (a) an active license to practice law in Texas, or (b) an active license to practice law in another US jurisdiction and the ability to become licensed in Texas within one year of hire.
• A strong substantive background in administrative/regulatory law, labor/employment law, contracts, litigation/litigation management, business law, higher education or K-12 school law, student affairs, nonprofit law, data privacy and security, and/or corporate governance.
• Ability to manage time effectively and adapt to a high-volume workload, varying client priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with diverse parties.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with various stakeholders.
• Willingness to learn new areas of the law.
• Proficiency with typical business technology and software, including video conferencing applications.
• Collegiality, a willingness to support colleagues, and a commitment to the diverse, multicultural mission of higher education and private university research

  institutions.

• Commitment to expeditious, high-quality service to our clients.
• Legal research and advice on complex regulatory matters, litigation, student matters, labor/employment law, and business transactions.
• Training to sophisticated audiences on complex legal matters.
• Drafting and review of contracts, policies, and procedures.
• Handling of multiple matters at once, independently and proactively.

 

Essential Functions


• Reporting to the Vice President and General Counsel, provides legal advice and representation to various university officials, including the President, Provost, vice presidents, deans, office of human resources, nondiscrimination office, university police department, athletics department, disability resources center, and other academic and administrative offices.
• Conducts legal research on the diverse areas of law that affect the university.
• Develops expertise in, and advises on, a diverse range of practice areas, such as student life and academics, compliance, litigation and litigation management, labor and employment, civil rights, nonprofit and corporate governance, contracts, procurement, open government/public records, development and fundraising, privacy, research, accreditation, risk management, law enforcement, real estate, public finance, administrative and regulatory law, threat assessment, health and safety, policy, information technology, legislation, and constitutional law.
• Trains university officials and employees on pertinent legal matters that affect university operations.  
• Provides advice and support to assure that activities are consistent with federal, state, and local obligations.
• Manage the efforts of outside counsel, as needed.
• Serve on university task forces and committees, and work visibly and closely with representatives from diverse university offices, the Houston community, and other important communities with which Rice engages.
• Participate in regular meetings, both within the Office of General Counsel and with other stakeholders at Rice.
• Work independently on routine legal matters, and discern issues of institutional importance that require additional communication with legal team members, the Vice President and General Counsel, and other university officials.
• Devise and provide practical, risk-tolerant solutions for problems, balancing legal considerations with Rice’s strategic priorities.
• Promote Rice’s Culture of Care.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

   

  Preferred Qualifications

• 6 or more years’ experience as a practicing attorney.
• Experience working as a counsel to universities, nonprofits, government agencies, or other similarly complex, mission-driven organizations.
• Experience providing training to sophisticated audiences on complex legal matters.

   

  Working Conditions:
  

• We offer a flexible, hybrid work schedule, including opportunities to work in person and remotely.
• This position requires extended working hours, including nights and weekends, as our clients’ needs require. Out-of-town travel is occasional but infrequent (rarely over 5%).

  Application Period

  Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by March 3, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

  How To Apply

  Please visit https://jobs.rice.edu. In the application portal, please upload your resume and a letter of interest.