Assistant General Counsel, Business Law - Real Estate

FLSA Status: Exempt

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Salary: $125,000 - $135,000 yearly; negotiable depending on qualifications.

Hours per Week: 40.00 Flexible from 6:00AM to 7:00PM.

Hiring Department: Office of General Counsel

Required Application Materials

A resume and letter of interest is required in order to apply. Candidates under final consideration will be required to submit references and college degree information through an online third-party vendor.

Purpose of Position

The University of Texas System Office of General Counsel, which advises the UT System’s 14 academic and health-related institutions, seeks two versatile attorneys with particular experience in real estate law to provide legal advice, counsel, and representation on real estate matters. The ideal candidates will also be eager to collaborate and problem-solve with clients and team members on other legal issues.

Essential Functions

• Structure real estate business transactions given legal constraints.
• Provide legal advice and counsel.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written legal advice and opinions.
• Negotiate and prepare legal documents for real estate transactions.
• Propose, draft, interpret, and apply relevant UT System policies for successful execution of real estate business transactions.
• Review and interpret proposed state and federal legislation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Translate legal concepts to, and develop solutions with, a variety of clients, including administrators, other professionals, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Exhibit excellent oral and written communications, analytical and conflict management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and team members.
• Skilled in transactional drafting as well as written/oral communication, and able to manage a broad range of complex issues in a highly collaborative environment.
• Ability to foster and promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Work independently and collaboratively, in person and remotely.
• Embody and support OGC’s Service Principles.

Required Qualifications

Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Licensure to practice law in Texas, or full licensure in Texas within 12 months of hire.  At least five years’ experience as a licensed, practicing attorney, with a particular background in commercial real estate.

Preferred Qualifications

At least seven years’ experience as a licensed, practicing attorney. Experience in an in-house legal department (public, private or nonprofit) and/or law firm.

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Uses standard office equipment.
• 10% Travel.

Additional Information

Diversity and inclusion are core values in OGC and this system of higher education institutions, which serve the needs of a diverse and growing state. To that end, our review of applications will embrace the principles of UTS187 (a UT System interviewing policy), the Mansfield Rule (a voluntary diversity initiative for legal employers), and the veterans’ and former foster children employment preferences (state laws), all of which are intended to promote diverse interview pools. OGC is also committed to hiring, compensating, and promoting regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation.

In addition, we are pleased to offer a variety of employee benefits to our employees, including:

• Employee (and optional family) health insurance, effective on the first day of employment.
• Lifetime, retired-employee health insurance (after 10 years of service with UT System).
• Retirement plans: a choice of a defined-benefit plan through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas or defined-contribution plan through the Optional Retirement Program.
• Paid UT System holidays; and a 457(b) deferred compensation plan.
• State compensatory time (additional paid leave hours when working over 40 hrs./week).
• Paid leave to attend K-12 educational activities for the employee’s children.
• Flexible work schedules, as arranged with supervisor.
• Free, on-site employee wellness and gymnasium facilities.
• Wellness leave (up to 1.5 paid hours/week for fitness activities.
• On-site, covered parking and free public transit pass.
• Pre-tax health and dependent care expense accounts.
• Texas bar dues, in-house and outside CLE, and other training opportunities.
• Membership in the National Association of College and University Attorneys and the Association of University Real Estate Officials.

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Please complete all sections of the application including your address, email, phone number and the questionnaire. You may edit your contact information at any time by updating your profile.

Candidates under final consideration will be required to submit references and college degree information.  A criminal background check will be conducted on applicants under final consideration.
Reference, education and criminal background verifications will be completed by third-party vendors.

EO/AA Statement

The University of Texas System Administration is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation. Reasonable disability accommodation may be requested by contacting the Office of Talent and Innovation.