Associate General Counsel

Overview

The Office of Counsel at Duke University is seeking to hire two (2) attorneys who are creative, strategic, client-focused and team-oriented. The roles will support a broad range of corporate, transactional, and regulatory activities, primarily for Duke University and also for the Duke University Health System. The successful candidates will join a group of experienced attorneys and leaders dedicated to Duke’s non-profit mission.

Note to candidates:
Please review the departmental preferences and highlight in your cover letter why your background aligns with one or more of those preferences. The Office of Counsel is hiring up to two (2) attorneys to fill these roles, so the successful candidate need not have experience in all of the stated preference areas.

• Support the corporate and transactional needs of business and academic units across the institution, including Finance, Corporate Tax, Information Technology, Development (fundraising), Construction, Facilities and Real Estate, Campus and Business Services, Economic Development, and Climate and Sustainability.
• Advise on, draft, and negotiate a broad range of significant contracts and agreements, primarily for the University but also for the Health System.
• Advise the University and Health System on matters involving corporate governance, corporate structure, and affiliated entities, with sensitivity to the regulatory regime governing nonprofit institutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This description reflects the general nature and level of work for this classification. It is not intended to be exhaustive of all responsibilities and duties.

• Education: JD degree. Licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina or become licensed within 12 months of employment.
• Experience: At least 7–10 years of significant knowledge and experience handling transactional matters. Must have experience drafting, negotiating, and closing a wide variety of transactions, including working on the various stages of a transaction. Experience assessing and advising on risks and benefits analysis and providing counsel based on regulatory and institutional requirements.

While the successful candidate should have a broad transactional background, the department’s preference is for an attorney who has demonstrated experience in one or more areas to complement the broad corporate and transactional skillset:

• Finance, bond, or other financing-related matters
• Acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures
• Technology and/or intellectual property transactions
• Complex supply chain agreements
• Real estate, facilities, and/or construction
• Prior experience working with laws specific to nonprofit institutions (federal tax laws, state nonprofit laws, property tax)

• Ability to work in a team-oriented, high-volume, in-house law office environment.
• Excellent communication skills with a demonstrated track record of communicating effectively to a wide variety of audiences to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Strong writing, research, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate in diverse environments, build relationships, and provide practical and credible guidance throughout the Duke community.
• Committed and reliable, with excellent judgment and a creative, can-do attitude.
• Ability to manage competing and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Keen sense of client service and ethical obligations in the in-house setting.

Durham, NC, in person (current office schedule: Monday–Thursday in-person, with the option for remote work on Friday).

Competitive pay and benefits. Durham, North Carolina and the surrounding communities are lively, progressive, growing cities with a good quality of life, including for families.

The Office of Counsel encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to and help advance Duke’s values of respect, trust, inclusion, discovery, and excellence.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender…