The University of Pittsburgh, Office of University Counsel (“OUC”) is seeking an Associate Legal Counsel for the University. OUC provides advice and counsel to the University of Pittsburgh community—the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, the administration, the faculty, and the staff—on legal and policy matters, involving or affecting the University. 

This position provides comprehensive legal advice and strategic counsel to the Executive Senior Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer and their team on all matters related to the University’s corporate and financial operations.  In addition, this position also provides legal advice and counsel on various matters related to charitable giving.

A law degree (JD or LLM) is required and 8+ years of relevant experience is preferred. Successful candidates must demonstrate the following:

• superior ability to solve problems (consider all aspects of problems, identify potential issues, evaluate such issues with common sense and balance, develop practical solutions and present such issues and solutions to non-lawyers in a manner that is easy to understand);
• possess meticulous attention to detail and time management skills to ensure prompt compliance with deadlines;
• maturity and ability to work well with others;
• ability to triage work and prioritize based on legal risk and needs of University clients;
• impeccable legal writing ability;
• strong oral communication skills, with an emphasis on successfully negotiating with counter-parties and opposing counsel to represent the University’s interests;
• excellent analytical and research skills, both in legal and factual matters;
• creativity in the practice of law by identifying ways to improve University processes and procedures and advising University departments about how to comply with laws and avoid potential litigation.

Job Summary

Provides legal guidance to University officials and leadership during policy and programmatic development as well as on moderately complex legal issues. Prepares written and verbal opinions. Prepares moderately complex legal documents. Negotiates settlements and performs dispute resolution, including possible representation in University litigation.

This position performs the following duties:

• serving as the University’s legal expert on all corporate, finance, securities, and tax matters;
• providing primary general legal support to various offices and senior leaders, including the CFO Office, Office of Finance, Office of the Treasurer, Controller’s Office, Tax Department;
• providing legal guidance and advice on a wide variety of corporate matters including but not limited to entity creation, subsidiary compliance, and M&A opportunities;
• preparing, reviewing, negotiating and providing legal advice and counsel on various maters related charitable gifts and annuities, including providing legal support to the Office of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement;
• advising the University’s Chief Investment Officer and the Office of Finance on all matters related to the investment of the University’s endowment, including subscription documentation, compliance, and management and oversight of outside counsel
• providing legal guidance and advice on a wide range of matters in support of the University’s business and financial functions, including but not limited to, bond issuances, debt facilities, SEC reporting, annual financial statements and audit support, Form 990 filings, and tax issues;
• providing legal counsel and advice concerning the proper interpretation and application of statutes, regulations and University policies;
• collaborating with the University’s Office of Policy Development and Management and Office of Compliance, Investigations and Ethics on a wide variety of issues impacting charitable and financial operations of the University;
• advising on other matters in support of the University’s Chief Legal Officer and Deputy Chief Legal Officer

This position reports to the Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief Legal Office of the University and will also be tasked with other strategic duties and projects as may be assigned.