Address
Form of workDepartment: Office of General Counsel
Salary/Grade: EXS/16
Job Summary:
Northwestern is seeking a high-level transactional lawyer with experience in complex matters. The incumbent will focus on providing advice and counsel primarily regarding transactional, intellectual property, research, and regulatory matters. This person will work closely with representatives across the University on a variety of pending legal issues as well as provide strategic guidance to the University. The incumbent will review, draft, and negotiate contracts for a variety of university departments as well as deal with intellectual property matters, international issues, tax questions, compliance issues, and other duties as assigned. The incumbent should have good judgment, be personable, and be capable of independently performing a variety of complicated tasks. In-depth knowledge of applicable law in one or more areas of responsibility is necessary as well as a willingness to learn new subject areas of law and issue-spot, and the ability to implement newly acquired knowledge with confidence.
The Assistant General Counsel reports to the Vice President and General Counsel to advance Northwestern's intellectual property efforts, technology transfer, commercialization activities, and partnership and collaboration opportunities. This position, in collaboration with OGC colleagues will support and develop legal, regulatory, and compliance oversight of intellectual property (IP) related needs including: advising clients on legal provisions IP related agreements, such as non-disclosure agreements and license agreements and IP provisions in agreements. This individual works cross-functionally with faculty, researchers, and business development professionals and is a key member of both the Office of General Counsel and INVO. The Assistant General Counsel will recommend and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant laws and industry practices while providing support and guidance to Northwestern faculty and researchers.
Specific Responsibilities :
• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of contracts and agreements, including technology transfer agreements, sponsored research agreements, and service agreements, and provide legal advice regarding complex transactions to ensure alignment with institutional goals;
• Conduct due diligence and other legal research in support of transactions;
• Monitor changes in higher education law and regulations;
• Participate in trademark and copyright activities, as needed;
• Other duties/projects as assigned; and
• Participate in regular team meetings.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an A.B.A. accredited Law School
• Admission to the Illinois State Bar and/or license to practice in-house in Illinois required
• Minimum of five years of professional experience drafting and negotiating complex contracts
• Current thorough understanding of applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations and experience providing counsel to clients on such requirements
• Proven success providing legal guidance in the context of complex organizations and a deeply held commitment to, and belief in, the value of collaborative decision-making
• Must be able to work collegially in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated experience utilizing creative and proactive approaches to intellectual property strategies required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
• Professional demeanor with a high degree of self-motivation and organization required
• Highly organized and detail-oriented in order to track multiple open issues in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner required
• Resourceful, flexible and able to anticipate and resolve problems effectively required
• Demonstrated track record of developing and managing relationships required
• Ability to communicate with clarity, tact, and courtesy and demonstrate judgment and discretion in the sharing of sensitive information required; the ability to work independently without close supervision required.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in higher education, preferably in transactional and IP related issues in research-intensive institutions or experience in both a major law firm and corporate environment;
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills required, plus the ability to work closely and effectively with a diverse group of University faculty, researchers, and staff;
• Experience in copyright, trademark and other IP areas;
• A capacity for understanding the relationship of specific tasks to the broader operation of the administrative functions and mission of the university; and
• A demonstrated passion for service excellence and commitment to exceptional quality, as well as high levels of energy.
Target hiring range for this position will be between $215,000 to $240,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
Salary/Grade: EXS/16
Job Summary:
Northwestern is seeking a high-level transactional lawyer with experience in complex matters. The incumbent will focus on providing advice and counsel primarily regarding transactional, intellectual property, research, and regulatory matters. This person will work closely with representatives across the University on a variety of pending legal issues as well as provide strategic guidance to the University. The incumbent will review, draft, and negotiate contracts for a variety of university departments as well as deal with intellectual property matters, international issues, tax questions, compliance issues, and other duties as assigned. The incumbent should have good judgment, be personable, and be capable of independently performing a variety of complicated tasks. In-depth knowledge of applicable law in one or more areas of responsibility is necessary as well as a willingness to learn new subject areas of law and issue-spot, and the ability to implement newly acquired knowledge with confidence.
The Assistant General Counsel reports to the Vice President and General Counsel to advance Northwestern's intellectual property efforts, technology transfer, commercialization activities, and partnership and collaboration opportunities. This position, in collaboration with OGC colleagues will support and develop legal, regulatory, and compliance oversight of intellectual property (IP) related needs including: advising clients on legal provisions IP related agreements, such as non-disclosure agreements and license agreements and IP provisions in agreements. This individual works cross-functionally with faculty, researchers, and business development professionals and is a key member of both the Office of General Counsel and INVO. The Assistant General Counsel will recommend and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant laws and industry practices while providing support and guidance to Northwestern faculty and researchers.
Specific Responsibilities :
• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of contracts and agreements, including technology transfer agreements, sponsored research agreements, and service agreements, and provide legal advice regarding complex transactions to ensure alignment with institutional goals;
• Conduct due diligence and other legal research in support of transactions;
• Monitor changes in higher education law and regulations;
• Participate in trademark and copyright activities, as needed;
• Other duties/projects as assigned; and
• Participate in regular team meetings.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an A.B.A. accredited Law School
• Admission to the Illinois State Bar and/or license to practice in-house in Illinois required
• Minimum of five years of professional experience drafting and negotiating complex contracts
• Current thorough understanding of applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations and experience providing counsel to clients on such requirements
• Proven success providing legal guidance in the context of complex organizations and a deeply held commitment to, and belief in, the value of collaborative decision-making
• Must be able to work collegially in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated experience utilizing creative and proactive approaches to intellectual property strategies required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
• Professional demeanor with a high degree of self-motivation and organization required
• Highly organized and detail-oriented in order to track multiple open issues in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner required
• Resourceful, flexible and able to anticipate and resolve problems effectively required
• Demonstrated track record of developing and managing relationships required
• Ability to communicate with clarity, tact, and courtesy and demonstrate judgment and discretion in the sharing of sensitive information required; the ability to work independently without close supervision required.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in higher education, preferably in transactional and IP related issues in research-intensive institutions or experience in both a major law firm and corporate environment;
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills required, plus the ability to work closely and effectively with a diverse group of University faculty, researchers, and staff;
• Experience in copyright, trademark and other IP areas;
• A capacity for understanding the relationship of specific tasks to the broader operation of the administrative functions and mission of the university; and
• A demonstrated passion for service excellence and commitment to exceptional quality, as well as high levels of energy.
Target hiring range for this position will be between $215,000 to $240,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
