University Attorney

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Summary:

Harvard University’s Office of the General Counsel is responsible for all legal work in furtherance of Harvard’s teaching and research mission. The Office strives to render timely and thoughtful advice on the broad range of legal issues that Harvard leadership, administrators, and faculty confront in their work on behalf of the University. The Office is organized on the model of a small law firm, with attorneys whom are both generalists capable of handling a wide variety of legal matters and specialists with expertise in key areas. The Office embraces a team culture, collaborating and consulting with colleagues and with outside counsel as appropriate.

Position Description:

Harvard University seeks an attorney experienced in a broad range of real estate practice for the position of University Attorney in the Office of the General Counsel. Significant experience with large-scale development and/or asset management and real estate operations is strongly preferred. The attorney will be responsible for providing legal counsel to a range of clients at the University regarding strategic asset management, design and construction, transportation and other infrastructure investment, institutional and commercial development, residential housing, and institutional master planning across all of Harvard’s campuses. The practice also includes regulatory compliance in areas such as accessibility, sustainability, and environmental health and safety.

Working Conditions:

This position involves a hybrid work schedule (currently three days onsite/two days remote). The Office of the General Counsel may alter this schedule as the needs and circumstances change. Complying with the office’s work location requirements is a condition of continued employment.

We welcome applicants who bring varied perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, and expertise to advance the work of the department in service to Harvard’s mission.

Basic Qualifications:

JD with a minimum of ten years’ relevant experience at a law firm and/or in-house with a large real estate organization in urban, large-scale real estate operations and management. Admission to practice in Massachusetts, or willingness to obtain admission to practice within two years.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Significant experience in the City of Boston and/or the City of Cambridge strongly preferred.Strong drafting, analytical and counseling skills. Ability to balance multiple and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to communicate well with a broad range of clients. Strong interpersonal skills, judgment, and empathy. Ability to integrate conventional real estate practice with the complexities and priorities of a large research institution with multiple campuses and operational priorities.

• Standard hours/schedule:35 hours per week
• Visa sponsorship information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-employment screening: Education,Identity

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 063. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. 

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.