Job Summary

The Associate Attorney position is primarily responsible for providing legal counsel directly to University clients on a wide range of matters related to complex litigation, investigations and disputes. The successful candidate will supervise outside counsel on large litigation, investigation, and other similar matters, independently will handle agency and court proceedings and responses to subpoenas and other demands for information, and also will partner with other OGC lawyers on complex and high-profile litigation and governmental and internal investigations, in addition to providing research on a broad range of legal topics and handling a wide array of legal matters.

Position Description

In particular, the Associate Attorney?s duties include:

• Providing legal advice/counsel on litigation and governmental and internal investigations, and other areas of law relevant to the University?s mission and operations (e.g., corporate law, labor and employment issues, compliance, student and faculty affairs, University governance, research administration, etc.), often under tight deadlines.
• Representing the University in litigation, arbitration, mediation, or other disputes in court or before other government agencies or legal authorities.
• Supervising outside counsel in handling litigation matters, governmental agency proceedings, and internal university proceedings and investigations in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Liaising between internal clients and external legal counsel on complex legal matters as necessary.
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting proposed and existing laws, statutes, and regulations.
• Identifying, evaluating, and addressing issues of legal risk, including with respect to emerging legal areas and novel or unusual factual situations.
• Structuring, drafting, negotiating and/or approving legal contracts, letters of agreement, policies, and other documents.
  

Basic Qualifications

JD; four to six years' experience in litigation or disputes law practice. Judicial clerkships may count toward years of experience. Admission to practice in Massachusetts or readiness to obtain admission to practice within one year.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Strong research, analytical, and writing skills; ability to manage a high volume docket and time-sensitive matters; good judgment and ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with others; fluency in the litigation process, including factual investigation, discovery, motion practice, and trial and appellate procedure; desire to devote substantial portion of working time to advising on University programs and activities, researching and analyzing a broad range of legal problems, handling litigation and other types of disputes, and drafting and reviewing various legal documents; ability to manage a variety of legal matters that may arise at a large research university in addition to litigation and disputes; ability to provide legal advice on a timely basis, sometimes based on limited information and precedent; ability to adapt existing approaches to novel issues.

Working Conditions

This position involves a hybrid work schedule (currently three days onsite/two days remote). The Office of the General Counsel may alter this schedule as the office?s needs and circumstances change. Employees will be expected to commute to the office in Cambridge as required.

Complying with the office?s work location requirements is a condition of continued employment.

Additional Information

This is a one-year position with an expectation of two one-year renewals.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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