Part-Time Counsel

The Part-Time Counsel will support the University on a variety of legal matters, with an emphasis on contract review and drafting and higher education regulatory compliance. This role will serve as a trusted internal legal advisor, partnering closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to provide practical, risk-aware legal guidance aligned with institutional objectives. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Serve as internal legal counsel to the organization on day-to-day legal matters.

2. Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, including vendor agreements, service agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other institutional contracts.

3. Advise internal stakeholders on higher education regulatory and compliance obligations, including but not limited to FERPA, Title IX, and the Clery Act.

4. Advise the University on routine employment law matters, including employee relations issues, performance management, disciplinary actions, and separation matters in coordination with HR.

5. Provide guidance on policy development, implementation, and interpretation related to legal and regulatory requirements.

6. Identify legal risks and recommend pragmatic solutions that support operational and strategic goals.

7. Collaborate with internal departments such as administration, HR, student services, and leadership.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sitting, standing, walking, and bending are required of this position. Use of a computer keyboard and computer screen for periods of time with close vision and the ability to adjust visual focus plus manual dexterity are required.

MENTAL DEMANDS: 

The mental demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Examples of mental demands include reading (documents), detailed work, confidentiality, language, math, reasoning, oral communications, written communications, customer contact, multiple concurrent tasks, constant interruptions, and performing calculations when necessary.

ABOUT ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY:

St. John Paul II wrote: “Man’s creation by God ‘in his own image’ confers upon every human person an eminent dignity; it also postulates the fundamental equality of all human beings.” Assumption University recognizes the essential contribution of a diverse community of students, staff, and faculty and condemns all forms of harassment, discrimination, and disrespect.

As such, and in compliance with the requirements of federal law and/or the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Assumption University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy, as well as other legally protected status, in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities, except where such conditions may constitute bona fide qualifications for the programs or activities in question.

• Must be willing to contribute actively to the mission of the University as well as show respect for the Catholic and Assumptionist identity of Assumption University.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Massachusetts, in good standing.
• 7-10 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in an in-house, higher education, or similar advisory role.
• Experience in contract review, drafting, and negotiation.
• Experience in employment law.
• Substantial knowledge and demonstrated practical experience with higher education regulatory and compliance obligations, including but not limited to FERPA, Title IX, and the Clery Act.
• Strong judgment with the ability to balance legal risk with business and institutional priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities in a remote, part-time environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior in-house counsel experience within a college, university, or higher education–related organization.
• Experience advising non-legal stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Familiarity with institutional governance, policies, compliance programs and risk management.