Career Center

Law Fellow, Office of General Counsel

Attorneys in the OGC collaborate with campus colleagues across a broad range of disciplines, providing advice and counsel on all legal matters affecting the University. The office is organized into four main practice groups - Litigation, Administrative Proceedings, and Regulatory Compliance; Research, Technology and Academic Innovation; Business, Charitable Giving, and Transactions; and People and Belonging.

The OGC also provides university and departmental trainings and workshops on legal and regulatory matters, and attorneys write and speak regularly at state and national conferences on higher education law and related matters.

What you will do:

The Law Fellow provides general legal research and technical support for the attorneys in the Office of General Counsel with particular emphasis on programs and initiatives that enhance the university's commitment to an equitable academic community.

This one-year appointment is suggested for a recent law school graduate or an early career attorney with fewer than two years of practice experience who has an interest in higher education law. The one-year appointment may be renewed or extended for one additional year.

This position is intended to be in-person, based in Ithaca, New York. The successful candidate will be expected to work primarily in the Ithaca office. OGC staff currently have the option to work remotely two days a week.

The Law Fellow will work across the OGC's four practice groups to conduct comprehensive legal research and benchmarking surveys; provide legal review of policies; assist in policy development; prepare educational content and training materials; and draft and review contracts and agreements. While the Law Fellow will receive projects across the breadth of practice specialties in the office, the Law Fellow may also have the opportunity to pursue additional subject matter experience in timely and emerging areas of law relevant to higher education.

Minimum Requirements.

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school by July 1, 2024.
• Letter of recommendation from a member of the legal profession who can personally comment on the candidate's aptitude for one or more of the core competencies for the position.

Core Competencies.

• Demonstrated interests in higher education law and creating equitable and inclusive academic communities.
• Demonstrated ability to organize information with an analytical mindset to create clear and professionally designed written deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain exceptional ethical standards and consistently demonstrate sound professional judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to practice discretion, maintain professional confidences, and protect privileged communications.
• Superior and professional writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Capacity to thrive professionally in a vibrant academic community and to approach complex legal challenges with a growth mindset, flexibility, creativity, and with measured temperament.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of applications and other software programs to develop presentations and work product in a variety of formats to meet client expectations. Experience with Mac operating system is preferred.

Compensation

• $75,000/year with benefits.

Rewards and Benefits

Living and Working in Ithaca

No employment visa sponsorship is available for this position.

University Job Title:

Job Family:

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Pay Range:

Remote Option Availability:

Company:

Contact Name:

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

Union Positions

Current Employees:

Online Submission Guidelines:

Employment Assistance:

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.