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Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

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. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• 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.            

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.

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.

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

• Appointment End Date: One year from start date with possibility of two one-year renewals.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
  
  
  
   
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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

About Harvard University

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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