Assistant 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?

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 Assistant General Counsel to join our Office of General Counsel and support the University¿s mission with integrity, expertise, and a collaborative spirit.

The Assistant General Counsel provides legal services on a broad range of issues impacting Clemson University, working both independently and in close collaboration with senior attorneys. Reporting to the General Counsel, this role ensures compliance with state and federal laws, protects the University¿s legal interests, and helps advance its institutional priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

Drafts and reviews contracts, including, but not limited to, academic, research software licenses, gift, and procurement agreements for compliance with legal standards and routes to appropriate university divisions for review and approval.

Performs legal research for more senior attorneys on a variety of topics related to higher education laws, including proposed legislative bills and regulations, resolutions, and amendments affecting Clemson University.

Assists preparation of responses for document requests such as subpoenas, discovery, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in a deadline-driven environment, ensuring compliance with applicable state/federal law, regulations, University policies and procedures.

Drafts and interprets University regulations, policies, standards, and procedures, and performs additional duties as assigned.

In consultation with other General Counsel attorneys, the Assistant General Counsel provides legal advice and counsel on a range of legal topics, including, but not limited to, higher education law and regulatory matters.

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.

A juris doctor or its equivalent from an accredited law school and at least 3 years of experience as an attorney.

Preference for candidates with higher education experience.

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.

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Fundamental Job Knowledge - Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.

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

Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself

No Work Conditions

Standard Hrs: 37.5

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.

Normal Operations

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

Clemson, SC

Interested parties must apply electronically via Interfolio and submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five references by September 7, 2025.

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

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.

To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.