Associate University Counsel
Southern Methodist University Inc

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

A nationally ranked private university located near the heard of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research and teaching.

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is seeking an Associate University Counsel to join the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA). This is a full-time, in person position.

OLA is responsible for provision of all legal services to the SMU Board of Trustees, officers, administrative officials and authorized representatives of institutional interests for legal matters involving SMU. OLA is a fast-paced, high-volume environment. OLA supports the mission and goals of SMU by providing practical, ethical and high quality legal advice in a timely and professional manner.

Reporting to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, the Associate University Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice on a broad range of subjects with a concentration on University research related contracts and grant agreements, research compliance, technology transfer and intellectual property. The Associate University Counsel will also provide legal support on commercial transactions and business operations, real estate matters, regulatory compliance matters and other duties as assigned. The Associate University Counsel will assist in drafting or reviewing policies and procedures and in developing training and educational training programs for administrators, faculty, and staff. The successful candidate will be expected to exercise sound judgment and work collaboratively and collegially with other members of OLA and SMU colleagues.

Essential Functions:

• Counseling: Provide legal advice and counsel to University client representatives
  
• Contracts: Draft and review University contracts and agreements
  
• Research: Perform legal and factual research pertaining to various issues
  
• Preventative: Provide information and guidance to clients on a wide range of legal topics relating to a higher education setting.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A J.D. from an ABA accredited law school and a minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible legal experience as a practicing attorney is required. (Judicial clerkships will count as practice years.)

A member in good standing of the Texas Bar or eligible to practice law in the State of Texas within one year or less is also required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

This position requires strong skills as a corporate and transactional attorney, including significant experience with contract drafting, negotiating, and an understanding of IP and research related issues.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. The candidate should also have a commitment to client service and teamwork. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail is a must.

Demonstrated experience in providing legal advice to a college or university, with significant knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and regulations is desired. Proven record of ability to undertake complex legal issues and capacity to negotiate creative solutions.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

SMU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, license, and certifications.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, current resume and a list of three references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by May 11, 2026.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Assistant Vice President for Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, equalopportunity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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