Higher Education Law Fellow

The Office of the University Counsel (OUC) provides legal representation to the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia in all legal and regulatory matters and provides advice and counsel to the Board of Visitors, the President, executive officers, and other administrators, faculty, and staff in their official capacities.  It engages in the active preventative practice of law, helps facilitate the accomplishment of larger institutional objectives, and aggressively advocates the University’s position in all administrative, state and federal litigation, and/or closely monitors efforts of the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and appointed special counsel.

The Law Fellow will be assigned research, writing, and other projects arising in many of the substantive subject matter areas handled by the OUC, including legal matters concerning constitutional issues, athletics, employment, education, civil rights, research, governance, transactions, compliance, intellectual property, information technology, privacy, health care, medical malpractice, litigation, Virginia Freedom of Information Act, government relations, and regulatory matters.  The Law Fellow may receive assignments from and may work with all of the attorneys in the OUC, working under the direct supervision of the University Counsel. OUC will make every effort to provide opportunities for the Law Fellow to attend meetings, meet with clients, and otherwise to participate in the full range of legal activities of the Office and the University. 

Qualifications: Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school with a record of strong academic achievement.  Applicants must have applied for admission to the Virginia bar, with the goal of admission by December of their fellowship year.

Experience:  Demonstrated research and writing ability (journal membership is preferred); an interest in learning about and supporting the legal mission of a major academic institution; the ability to work effectively and cooperatively with attorneys and other university constituents while working on multiple projects concurrently. Assessment of new cases, regulations (both state and federal) and cutting-edge legal issues in higher education.  Ability to work with counsel and high-level clients exercising confidentiality and legal assessment capabilities.  Ability to learn to formulate and communicate legal advice in a timely and competent manner.