Associate General Counsel

Job Description:

The Associate General Counsel provides legal and risk management advice and counsel on issues relevant to higher education. The position involves a challenging and wide ranging practice, including but not limited to, providing advice and counsel to and on the University’s research enterprise, managing and advising on matters related to intellectual property, supporting The Warren Alpert Medical School and the School of Public Health, counseling on governance issues related to University subsidiaries, institutes, and centers, and supporting initiatives and activities related to these primary roles.

The position requires deep knowledge of federal regulations and the ability to respond to requests and subpoenas from federal grant-making agencies. The position oversees and interacts with the university’s outside counsel.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Serve as primary counsel for the University’s research enterprise.  This includes advising the Division of Research, which includes Research Integrity, Sponsored Projects, Brown Technology Innovation, and Research Agreements and Contracting, as well as The Warren Alpert Medical School, the School of Public Health, the School of Engineering, University Compliance, Community and Government Relations, Strategic Procurement and Contracts, and Corporate and Foundation Relations.

2. Advise on and support all aspects of Brown’s relationships with its affiliated health systems (Care New England and Brown University Health), as well as related hospitals and physician organizations, including trademark and clinical rotation agreements. Serve as primary University counsel for the Brown Innovation and Research Collaborative for Health (BIRCH).

3. Serve as lead in-house counsel on matters regarding intellectual property at or involving the University, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks.  This includes working with Brown Technology Innovations, the Library, the Office of University Communications, the Department of Athletics, the Brown Bookstore, and various academic units across campus. 

Advise on other regulatory matters as assigned, including telecommunications matters and NAGPRA.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience -

-B.A./B.S. from college or university; J.D. from an ABA accredited law school

-A minimum of 10 years’ work experience practicing law and substantial expertise in multiple practice areas relevant to higher education and funded research, in a well-known, reputable law firm or in-house counsel legal department. May substitute relevant experience in judicial clerkships and other government service.

-Member in good standing and license to practice law from a state bar; must be admitted to the Rhode Island bar or obtain admission within 1 year of hire

-Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

-Demonstrates discretion, flexibility, collaboration, and the ability to manage projects with competing interests

-Demonstrates high ethical standards, mature judgment, and sound discretion

-Experience with federal and state regulatory bodies on the interpretation and application of statutes, regulations and administrative codes

-Demonstrates understanding of unique and complex decision-making dynamics associated with working in a private elite university 

-Possesses advanced knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations

-Excellent judgment and ability to balance legal risks with business and policy strategy

-Excellent verbal and written communication skills needed to interact professionally with university personnel and third parties

-Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills and demonstrated ability to resolve difficult and complex issues

-Strong ability to multi-task

-Has or develops understanding of the unique and complex-decision making dynamics working for a private elite university

Please include a cover letter when submitting the application materials attachments.

This position may be considered at a Senior Associate General Counsel based upon the additional related experience.

Background check satisfactory to Brown University.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-01-13

Job Posting Title:

Associate General Counsel

Department:

Office of the Vice President and General Counsel

Grade:

Grade 13

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid

 

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.