Counsel & Chief of Staff

Harvard University’s Office of the General Counsel is seeking a highly accomplished and organized Counsel and Chief of Staff to serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the Vice President and General Counsel (VPGC).  The position is a dual-capacity role operating at the intersection of complex higher education practice, strategy and operations.   The successful candidate will identify and evaluate issues and risks presented in complex and consequential litigation and investigation matters in order to provide legal counseling and to serve as a strategic advisor to the VPGC.  The Counsel and Chief of Staff also will work with the management team (the VPGC, Deputy General Counsel, Administrative Coordinator, and Practice Coordinator) to oversee the OGC’s large and complex caseload, and plan and implement special initiatives.  The role also will help lead legal workflows for initiatives that are cross-cutting or fall outside OGC’s traditional practice groups. This position serves as a key liaison between the VPGC, other members of the OGC, the University’s senior leadership, other University constituents, and outside counsel as needed, coordinating communication, helping ensure timely task completion and follow-through, driving efficiency, and managing critical projects.  It is expected that the Counsel and Chief of Staff also may provide legal advice and assistance on legal matters that often will be unusual or novel.  Additionally, the role will help coordinate the work of the OGC, identify overarching priorities and risks, allocate resources, and track long-term matters and projects. Job-Specific Responsibilities: • Legal Advice & Support: • Collaborate in identifying potential legal and regulatory risks, working with OGC attorneys and outside counsel.  Provide legal advice and support in collaboration with OGC attorneys.  • Help manage and coordinate internal legal processes, policy development, and compliance efforts. • Using judgment, evaluation and interpretation, independently provide legal advice and support on matters. • Strategic and Operational Support: • Collaborate closely with the VPGC and the management team to help the OGC effectively and efficiently provide legal advice and support to the University and all its Schools and Units.  • Collaborate closely with members of the OGC and others across the University to provide insights and recommendations for strategic initiatives, focusing on legal operations, operational efficiency, and risk management. • Support the management of the OGC, including facilitating meetings, coordinating resources, and developing strategies to improve team productivity and engagement. • Communication & Coordination: • Serve as a point of contact between the VPGC, members of the OGC and other internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment of priorities. • Work closely with legal support staff to prioritize the VPGC’s voluminous incoming and outgoing meeting requests. • Coordinate with outside counsel as needed. • Prepare and review reports, presentations, and memoranda.  • Legal Operations: • Help to oversee the management of legal budgets, resource allocation, and outside counsel relationships. • Assist with the implementation of legal technologies and tools to improve workflow and drive efficiencies. • Project Management: • Lead and manage key projects and initiatives for the OGC, including process improvement and legal technology adoption. • Monitor the progress of critical OGC projects, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met. • Special Projects: • Manage ad-hoc projects as directed by the VPGC. Basic Qualifications a candidate must meet to be considered for this role. • JD and a minimum of eight years' experience as an attorney