University Counsel, Investments

The Office of the General Counsel is seeking qualified candidates to provide legal support to the Stanford Management Company (SMC). SMC is responsible for managing the $61.5 billion Merged Pool, which comprises the substantial majority of Stanford’s investable assets, primarily through external managers investing in a diversified portfolio of financial and real estate investments.  Annual payouts from the Merged Pool support teaching, learning, and research across a wide variety of disciplines. 

This position will report to the General Counsel of the University. The attorney will be involved in a wide range of investment transactions across multiple asset classes, with a primary focus on private investments. The Investment Attorney will also support existing portfolio holdings and general commercial transactions.

Core Duties:

• Provide high-level strategic and tactical counsel to investment teams across a broad range of assets, including private equity, public equity, venture capital, real estate, and natural resource fund investments.
• Review, draft, and negotiate partnership agreements, side letters, term sheets, purchase and sale agreements, investment management agreements, subscription agreements, and other investment-related documents.
• Proactively identify issues, provide analysis, and act as a resource regarding existing and contemplated portfolio holdings.
• Review, draft, and negotiate related commercial agreements.

• Work with outside counsel, investment professionals, and members of the investment operations team to address other legal, regulatory, and business issues.

Minimum Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience for the Staff Counsel 1 (L level) position and a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience for the Staff Counsel 2 (N level) position. Experience must be investment fund-related, including some sponsor representation.
• Membership in the California Bar is preferred. Membership in another state’s bar with the ability to qualify as registered in-house counsel in California upon starting will also be considered.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance issues associated with investment-related activities.
• Strong ability to assess risk and achieve positive client outcomes.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and experience dealing effectively with a wide range of people.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to distill sophisticated legal matters into accessible analyses that support the work of SMC personnel.
• Sound judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values articulated by Stanford Management Company and Stanford University.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with outside counsel and other OGC attorneys.
• Residency in the Bay Area and in-office attendance at least three days per week are required.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

Note: The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility.  Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

The expected pay range for this position is $150,000 to $190,000 per annum for the Staff Counsel 1 (L level) and $210,000 to $275,000 per annum for the Staff Counsel 2 (N level). Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The final candidate will need to successfully pass a background check to be considered for this position.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply: 

For consideration, please submit your confidential materials to Heather Fine, Partner, In-House Counsel Recruiting - Major, Lindsey & Africa, (hfine@mlaglobal.com); Cara Bain, Managing Director, In-House Counsel Recruiting - Major, Lindsey & Africa, (cabain@mlaglobal.com); and Carol Scott (carolscott@stanford.edu), Executive Assistant to Jennifer Zimbroff, Deputy General Counsel and Managing Attorney.