Laboratory Counsel or Senior Laboratory Counsel

The Office of the General Counsel at Stanford University is seeking qualified candidates to support SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. SLAC is a vibrant multi-program laboratory whose mission is to explore how the universe works at the biggest, smallest, and fastest scales and invent powerful tools used by scientists around the globe. As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory managed and operated by Stanford, SLAC research helps solve real-world problems and advances the interests of the nation.

This position will report to the General Counsel of Stanford University, with day-to-day oversight provided by the Chief Laboratory Counsel. This Laboratory Counsel or Senior Laboratory Counsel role demands a high degree of legal acumen, discretion, flexibility, and excellent client service. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively in an environment with multiple stakeholders with competing interests and provide strategic advice to mitigate legal and organizational risks.

Core Responsibilities:

• Working with SLAC, University, and Human Resources management to contribute employment law expertise in support of identified business objectives.
• Managing and leading investigations, claims and litigation, including engaging and overseeing outside counsel in employment law and other subject areas as assigned.
• Coordinating and overseeing responses to discovery requests, subpoenas, Office of Inspector General requests, and Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Advising and developing policies, guidelines, and training materials in partnership with Human Resources and other Laboratory departments.
• Researching and advising on a variety of federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to SLAC, including contractual obligations imposed under SLAC’s federal contract, such as those in the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
• Collaborating with peers at other national laboratories, universities, and in the Department of Energy to manage risks in a variety of areas.
• Developing and implementing strategies for providing accurate and timely guidance on a wide range of legal issues.
• Through the Chief Laboratory Counsel, serving as strategic advisor and counsel to SLAC’s senior management team and Laboratory Director.
• Additional responsibilities may include advising in other areas relevant to DOE national laboratories as assigned, including government contracts and regulations, research integrity, agreements, privacy, intellectual property, and environmental law.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of six years of relevant experience for the Laboratory Counsel role and ten years of relevant experience for the Senior Laboratory Counsel role.
• Experience in California employment law and/or advising in areas relevant to the Department of Energy national laboratories is preferred.
• The attorney can expect to build upon existing expertise while providing counsel in other areas of law in a collaborative and engaging environment.
• Membership in the California Bar or another state’s Bar, with the ability to qualify as registered in-house counsel in California upon starting.
• Strong client service skills with a capacity to manage competing priorities and projects effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and experience dealing effectively with a wide range of people.
• Strong ability to assess risk and achieve positive client outcomes.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Discretion, flexibility, excellent judgment, and the ability to collaborate and manage a broad range of client needs in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with outside counsel and other OGC attorneys.
• Residency in the Bay Area and in-office attendance three days per week.

The expected salary range is $201,000 to $248,000 per annum (for the Laboratory Counsel position) and $250,000 to $320,000 per annum (for the Senior Laboratory Counsel position).