Senior Staff Counsel/University Counsel - Military Veterans
at Auburn University
Position Information
Requisition Number
S4190P
Home Org Name
General Counsel
Division Name
SVP, Legal Affairs & General Counsel
Position Title
Senior Staff Counsel/University Counsel
Job Class Code
EC03
Appointment Status
Full-time
Part-time FTE
Limited Term
No
Limited Term Length
Job Summary
Auburn University's Office of General Counsel seeks a Senior Staff Counsel OR University Counsel
with expertise in commercial real estate business transactions and other complex commercial matters, including construction, development and leasing. Such legal support may encompass a broad variety of issues related to facilities, real estate, title issues, commercial leases, construction and compliance, the acquisition and disposition of property, airport management, and legal issues pertaining to the design, construction, and delivery phases for both new construction and renovations. The Senior Staff/University Counsel may be asked to advise on such transactions as public/private partnerships, strategic financing, construction, and development agreements. The Senior Staff/University Counsel will provide contract negotiation, drafting, strategic planning and client counseling services to University constituents and associated University entities. This person will work closely with all the attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel and, at times, with outside counsel.
For this position, the Office of the General Counsel seeks an attorney who has substantial sophisticated commercial transactional experience, strong drafting and negotiating skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The Senior Staff/University Counsel should have expertise as a commercial real estate attorney with the attitude of a generalist able to serve and support the institution in any assigned area of legal work. The ability to produce work comparable to that of experienced and sophisticated outside counsel is essential as the position will supervise and coordinate all work performed by any outside counsel. The Senior Staff/University Counsel should have advanced written communication skills and the ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience, including university leadership, senior university officials, and university trustees. Also essential to this role are strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; initiative, intellectual curiosity, creativity, strategic common sense, and good judgment.
Auburn University is more than just an institution; it's a vibrant community where real people come together to make a difference. Our commitment to students, employees, communities, and our world runs deep, and it's reflected in every corner of our campus and beyond.
Life-Changing Impact: At Auburn, our work changes lives. Whether it's groundbreaking research, innovative teaching, administrative operations or community outreach, every effort contributes to positive change. We're not just clocking in; we're making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
How We Support You: Auburn cares for its greatest assets-its employees. Generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a supportive work environment make it a place where you can thrive. From health insurance to retirement plans, we've got you covered. Learn more about how we support employees by visiting aub.ie/working-at-auburn
Come and Stay: The median length of employment for an Auburn employee is 10 years. That's because Auburn invests in its people. We're not a revolving door; we're a family. The Auburn Family. We grow together, learn together, and build lasting relationships.
Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area exudes small-town charm and warmth. With cozy traditions, excellent schools, and vibrant downtowns, it's a place where you'll feel at home. Plus, we're centrally located in the Southeast with easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
A Place for Everyone: We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, and we celebrate our unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. When you work at Auburn, you're a part of a rich tapestry of individuals who bring their authentic selves to the table to create a welcoming and engaging university community.
Essential Functions
- Provide high quality, timely, creative, and solution-oriented counsel, including research, writing, advice and advocacy on complex transactional matters.
- Negotiate and prepare legal documents for real estate and other complex commercial transactions.
- Review and interpret proposed state and federal legislation.
- Provide general legal and business advice as assigned by the General Counsel to meet the needs of the University.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the General Counsel.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Senior Staff Counsel - Requirements
Juris Doctor (J.D.)/Bachelor of Law degree from an accredited law school and five (5) years of experience as an attorney in commercial real estate. Special considerations will be given to applicants with experience in higher education law.
University Counsel - Requirements
Juris Doctorate and ten (10) years experience as an attorney in commercial real estate. Substitutions allowed for Experience: When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.
Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications
Minimum Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of case law, legal precedent, and legislation related to higher education and university business and operations.
Minimum Technology Skills
Minimum License and Certifications
Eligible to practice law in the State of Alabama or able to attain eligibility within one year.
Desired Qualifications
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in a university general counsel's office or advising a university as a client.
Posting Detail Information
Salary Range
$105,970 - $245,850
Job Category
Legal
Working Hours if Non-Traditional
City position is located in:
Auburn
State position is located:
Alabama
List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position
Posting Date
01/15/2025
Closing Date
EEO Statement
AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/50743
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- AcademicKeys
- The Chronicle of Higher Education
- DiversityJobs
- HigherEdJobs
- HERC (Higher Education Recruitment Consortium)
- Indeed
- RecruitMilitary
- The Tuskegee News
- Professional organization or journal
- Veterans Assistance Services
- Disability Assistance Services
- State Employment Service
- Social Media
- AU Job Bulletin
- Notified by an Auburn employee
- College or university Career Services
- I went to the AU Employment Website directly (www.auemployment.com)
- Other
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
Auburn, AL
Welcome to Auburn University!
Auburn University was established in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, 20 years after the city of Auburn's founding. In 1872, under the Morrill Act, the school became the first land-grant college in the South and was renamed the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama. In 1899 the name again was changed, to the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. Finally, in 1960 the name of the school was changed to Auburn University, a title more in keeping with its location, and expressing the varied academic programs and larger curriculum of a major university.
Today, Auburn is one of the few universities to carry the torch as a land, sea and space grant university. Our fall 2014 semester enrollment was 25,912. Our students can choose from more than 140 degree options in 13 schools and colleges at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels.
Auburn University has developed into one of the largest universities in the South, remaining in the educational forefront with its traditional blend of arts and applied science, and changing with the needs of today while living with a respect for the traditions and spirit that are Auburn.