Job Summary Table of Senior University Counsel

Job Description Summary

The Office of the General Counsel at Stanford University seeks an experienced attorney to provide comprehensive legal advice on employment law matters for Stanford Health Care, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and affiliated physician foundations. This senior-level position requires exceptional judgment, client service skills, and the ability to navigate complex healthcare legal environments.

💼 Legal Employment Responsibilities

The Senior University Counsel will be responsible for a wide range of essential legal functions, including:

• Providing expert advice across all employment law and labor relations areas, including discrimination, harassment, disability accommodation, leave management, wage/hour issues, and labor relations
• Conducting strategic employment litigation risk assessment for various business initiatives and recommending practical solutions
• Proactively identifying and evaluating potential legal and reputational risks for clients while developing creative, effective solutions
• Representing Stanford Health Care, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and affiliated physician foundations before federal and state agencies including EEOC, DOL, DFEH, and DLSE
• Participating in private mediation and, when necessary, representing clients in civil court to obtain injunctions and restraining orders
• Developing and conducting training sessions on sexual harassment prevention and other relevant employment law topics
• Investigating and responding to employment-related claims from agencies and individuals
• Defending healthcare entities against pre-litigation disputes to minimize litigation exposure
• Negotiating agreements and overseeing litigation matters in partnership with outside law firms

Senior University Counsel Qualifications

To succeed in this challenging legal employment role, candidates must possess:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience, particularly in employment law
• Active membership in the California Bar or eligibility to qualify as registered in-house counsel in California upon starting
• Exceptional client service orientation with demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities effectively
• Significant experience in mediations, litigation, and arbitration proceedings
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and flexibility to navigate complex client needs in a dynamic academic healthcare environment
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with outside counsel and staff attorneys
• Residence in the Bay Area with ability to attend office three days per week

🏆 Benefits and Perks

Stanford University offers comprehensive rewards that extend beyond base compensation:

• Competitive salary range of $250,000-$320,000 per annum
• Extensive benefits package detailed on the Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards)
• Hybrid work arrangement with flexibility for remote work two days per week
• Opportunity to work within a prestigious academic institution with cutting-edge healthcare operations
• Professional development and growth opportunities within the legal department
• Collaborative work environment with high-caliber legal professionals

Company Overview

Stanford University is one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. The university’s healthcare entities—Stanford Health Care, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, and Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley—are renowned for pioneering medical research, exceptional patient care, and innovation in healthcare delivery.

University Legal Culture

The Office of the General Counsel at Stanford fosters a collaborative environment where attorneys work closely with institutional leaders to advance the university’s educational and healthcare missions. The legal team values excellence, integrity, innovation, and a commitment to the highest standards of legal practice while supporting the university’s broader goals.

Career Growth Opportunities

This Senior University Counsel position offers significant potential for professional development and advancement within Stanford’s legal framework. The role provides exposure to complex legal challenges in healthcare and education, opportunities to develop specialized expertise, and pathways to increased responsibility and leadership within the Office of the General Counsel.

📋 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Stanford University is deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. The institution actively promotes diversity in hiring and creates an environment where different perspectives and backgrounds are embraced as essential components of excellence and innovation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Remote Work Policy

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement requiring in-office attendance three days per week. Stanford provides appropriate resources and support to ensure productivity and collaboration in both remote and in-office settings. The position requires Bay Area residency to accommodate the hybrid schedule.

Application Process

1. Review the full job description and qualifications
2. Prepare your resume and supporting documents
3. Submit your application through Stanford’s career portal
4. Participate in the selection process, which may include interviews and background checks

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through Stanford University’s career portal. The final candidate will need to successfully pass a background check to be considered for this position. Apply directly at: https://careersearch.stanford.edu/jobs/senior-university-counsel-28306

❓ Additional Information

For candidates with disabilities requiring accommodations during the application or hiring process, Stanford University Human Resources can be contacted via their online form. Stanford is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

As part of Stanford’s commitment to safety and compliance, information about the Jeanne Clery Act and Campus Safety Report is available through the university’s resources.

Requisition ID: 106363

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