Princeton Legal Search Group has been engaged on an exclusive basis by Villanova University to lead the search for an experienced lawyer for the role of Associate General Counsel. This position reports to the General Counsel.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Under the direction of the Vice President and General Counsel, provides general legal services and day to day advice to principal officers and administration.
- Drafts, reviews and negotiates complex commercial contracts. Advises, drafts agreements and oversees matters involving grants, sponsored research agreements, grant proposals and University-funded research.
- Advises with respect to research compliance, research integrity, export controls, and research financial conflict of interest including, but not limited to policy development and updates and serving ex officio on research committees.
- Oversees and participates in research regulatory proceedings involving the University, managing matters and advising outside counsel.
- Oversees responses to research inquiries, audits or investigations directed to the University, including gathering records and ensuring compliance with legal requirements regarding confidentiality and proprietary information.
- Advises with respect to internal dispute resolution and administrative proceedings such as research noncompliance, research misconduct, suspension or termination matters.
- Assists in formulating and implementing institutional strategies for avoiding future legal problems.
- Serves on University committees as assigned by the Vice President and General Counsel.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation from accredited college or university; graduation from accredited law school with a LL.B./J.D. degree. Must be admitted and in good standing in Pennsylvania or other state bar; admission to the Pennsylvania bar required within 1 year of appointment.
- Knowledge of major areas of the general practice law in a nonprofit higher education setting.
10+ years’ legal practice. - Demonstrated capacity for legal reasoning and clear and concise written and oral communications; ability to identify and resolve complicated and delicate problems creatively and discreetly; ability to function effectively in an academic community.
- Experience in a higher education setting preferred.
- Work experience in a private research facility or pharmaceutical company a plus.
- Significant experience in technology transfer and commercialization a plus.
- Significant experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex commercial contracts a plus.
