Associate General Counsel

Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

JOB SUMMARY:

As a top public research university and a cornerstone of South Carolina's higher education system, Clemson University is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. We are seeking an Associate General Counsel to join our Office of General Counsel and support the University's mission with integrity, expertise, and a collaborative spirit.

The Associate General Counsel position provides advice and counsel with a primary focus on more complex transactional legal matters and projects. The Associate General Counsel will often work independently or as the lead attorney for a matter and can recognize when to elevate certain matters to the attention of more senior attorneys.

JOB DUTIES:

Key Responsibilities:

Provide legal advice and guidance, including the review, and drafting of agreements, for various university transactions, including academic collaborations, donor agreements, public-private collaborations, research and intellectual property matters, information technology matters, and procurements. Guidance and advice should be based on applicable law, including intellectual property and business law, and be the result of the exercise of strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills, a solid understanding of business and contractual requirements, and the exercise of sound legal judgment.

Provide deal formation legal support, including deal ideation, structure, negotiation, and related based document production to various departments within the institution including, Procurement, External Affairs, Development, Research, IT, and Athletics, among others.

Perform such other legal duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:

A thorough knowledge and understanding of the relevant laws and regulations impacting Clemson as a state institution of higher education that also has agriculture regulation obligations. The ability to interpret and apply policies, laws, and judicial decisions to provide solutions to allow the client to achieve its goals. The ability to think critically and express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. The ability to establish priorities and manage a robust workload. The ability to manage and meet deadlines. A strong sense of ethics and compliance.

Must be able to work independently and in collaboration with internal and outside legal counsel to be able to effectively deal with a wide range of matters in rapidly changing regulatory and legal environments; and ability to recognize when to elevate certain matters to more senior attorneys or the General Counsel.

This attorney will act with the highest level of integrity and business and personal ethical standards in all aspects of job performance and ensure compliance will all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

Ability to manage a heavy workload in a high-pressure environment. Effective communication skills (oral and written) and people skills within and across departments and externally; must be proactive in providing counsel to the client.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A Juris Doctor (JD) or its equivalent from an accredited law school.

Ten plus years of experience as an attorney.

Preference for candidates with transactional work experience on deals involving public higher education institutions.

Special Requirements: Member of the South Carolina Bar (eligibility for a limited certificate for admission may be considered). The successful candidate is subject to the approval of the South Carolina Attorney General.

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Acts as Lead - Acts as a Lead by guiding the work of others who perform essentially the same work.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

90% - Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
100% - Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself

WORKING CONDITIONS:

No Work Conditions

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hrs: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Salary commensurate with experience.

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Normal Operations

Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested parties must apply electronically via Interfolio and submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five references by January 7, 2026.

For nominations or questions regarding this position, please email Clemson Executive Search at executivesearch@clemson.edu.