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, comprising attorneys who 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.

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 is 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.

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 office?s 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.

Additional Information

Please note: This position will begin no earlier than July 1, 2025.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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