Associate University Counsel

Complete Guide: Associate University Counsel at the University of Louisville

The University of Louisville is seeking a highly qualified and motivated legal professional to join its Office of University Counsel as an Associate University Counsel. Based at the Belknap Campus in Louisville, Kentucky, this is a full-time, regular position reporting directly to the Deputy General Counsel. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive legal advice on a wide range of issues, with a primary focus on the university's research enterprise and intellectual property portfolio.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Duties

The Associate University Counsel will serve as the primary legal point of contact for matters involving sponsored research, technology transfer, and intellectual property. Key duties include:

• Agreement Drafting & Negotiation: Drafting and negotiating complex agreements such as sponsored research agreements, technology transfer and licensing agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), data transfer agreements, and software licenses.
• Compliance & Regulatory Advice: Advising internal stakeholders on federal and state laws governing higher education research, conflicts of interest, and conflicts of commitment.
• Research Integrity & Misconduct: Providing legal counsel on research integrity and scientific misconduct investigations.
• Human Subjects & Privacy: Serving as the legal contact for the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Human Subjects Protection Office, and advising on data privacy regulations including GDPR and Kentucky state privacy laws.
• Committee Participation: Advising university committees focused on strategic initiatives, including data governance and artificial intelligence.

Eligibility Criteria & Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Bar Admission: Admission in good standing to the Kentucky Bar, or eligibility for admission within six (6) months of hire.
• Experience: A minimum of six (6) years of experience as a practicing attorney.

Preferred Qualifications & Competencies

In addition to the minimum requirements, the university prefers candidates who possess:

• Five to seven (5-7) years of experience as a practicing attorney, with at least three (3) of those years in a higher education legal or research setting.
• A strong record of academic and professional excellence, with a demonstrated interest in higher education law.
• Core competencies including proactive problem-solving, analytical thinking, project management, and exceptional interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Compensation & Application Process

Compensation for this position is competitive and will be commensurate with the candidate's experience. While the official application deadline is not specified, interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

For assistance with the application process or to request accommodations, candidates may contact the Human Resources Department at employment@louisville.edu or call 502-852-6258.