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Stanford University

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Palo Alto, CA, USA

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"Senior University Counsel"

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Senior University Counsel

N11

2026-02-02

Location

Palo Alto, CA, USA

Stanford University

Type

Full-time

Salary

$250,000 - $320,000 per annum

Required Qualifications

J.D./LL.B. from accredited law school
10+ years tax law experience
California Bar or equivalent
IRS regulations knowledge
Analytical & problem-solving skills
Excellent communication
Bay Area residency required
In-office 3 days/week

Research Areas

Tax strategies for investments
Private funds & derivatives
Tax-exempt organizations
Endowment management (preferred)
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Senior University Counsel

Senior University Counsel

Stanford University

The Senior University Counsel will be responsible for providing expert legal advice and guidance to Stanford Management Company ("SMC") on tax-related matters, including structuring investments, developing and implementing tax strategies to help optimize investment returns, and conducting tax research and analysis as needed to support investment decisions. This individual will work with SMC's senior leadership and collaboratively as a member of a lean, dedicated legal team supporting all aspects of SMC's operations to assist in providing current and long-term support to the University.

Key responsibilities

  • Providing expert advice and guidance to the management company on tax-related matters, including: Structuring investments, including in private investment funds, derivatives, and individual securities.
  • Developing and implementing tax strategies to help optimize investment returns.
  • Conducting tax research and analysis as needed to support investment decisions.
  • Supporting senior leadership in preparing for discussions of tax-related matters with external stakeholders.
  • Collaborating with the University's finance and tax groups to coordinate investment strategies with organizational goals.
  • Assisting with tax compliance and reporting efforts.
  • Staying current with changes in tax laws and regulations affecting tax-exempt organizations and provide proactive recommendations.
  • Coordinating with and supervising domestic and international tax advisors.

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD/LLB) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Ten or more years of relevant experience in tax law.
  • Membership in the California Bar or another state's Bar, with the ability to qualify as registered in-house counsel in California upon starting.
  • In-depth knowledge of IRS regulations and tax laws applicable to investment management organizations.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with diverse teams and stakeholders at all levels.
  • Highest level of integrity and professionalism.
  • The position requires residency in the Bay Area and in-office attendance three days per week.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in taxation.
  • Familiarity with endowment management and investment practices.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

The expected salary range for candidates with 10 or more years of relevant experience is $250,000 to $320,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the University reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The final candidate will need to successfully pass a background check to be considered for this position.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume addressed to:

Additional Information

  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Job Code: 3070
  • Employee Status: Regular
  • Grade: N11
  • Requisition ID: 107537
  • Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible

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Frequently Asked Questions

šŸŽ“What are the required qualifications for the Senior University Counsel position?

Candidates must hold a J.D. or LL.B. from an accredited law school, have 10+ years of relevant tax law experience, be a member of the California Bar (or another state's Bar with ability to qualify as registered in-house counsel in California), and possess in-depth knowledge of IRS regulations and tax laws for investment management. Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the highest level of integrity and ability to work collaboratively. Bay Area residency and in-office attendance 3 days/week are required. Preferred: advanced degree in taxation and familiarity with endowment management. See administration jobs for similar roles.

šŸ’°What is the salary range and benefits for this role?

The expected salary range for candidates with 10+ years experience is $250,000 to $320,000 per annum. Pay is determined by factors like scope, qualifications, budget, equity, location, and market rates. Stanford offers a comprehensive rewards package; details at Cardinal at Work benefits. Explore university salaries.

šŸŒDoes Stanford offer visa sponsorship for the Senior University Counsel position?

No visa sponsorship is mentioned in the job posting. Candidates must be eligible to work in the US and qualify for California in-house counsel registration upon starting. Check higher ed jobs for visa-friendly opportunities.

šŸ“‹What are the key responsibilities?

Provide expert legal advice to Stanford Management Company (SMC) on tax-related matters, including structuring investments (private funds, derivatives, securities), developing tax strategies to optimize returns, tax research and analysis, supporting leadership with stakeholders, collaborating with finance/tax groups, assisting tax compliance, staying current on tax laws for tax-exempt organizations, and coordinating/supervising tax advisors. View employer branding secrets.

šŸ“§How and to whom should I submit my application?

Submit a resume addressed to Heather Fine (hfine@mlaglobal.com), Diego Ash (dash@mlaglobal.com), or Christina Tonioni (ctonioni@mlaglobal.com) at In-House Counsel Recruiting. Final candidates undergo a background check. Deadline: February 2, 2026. Learn more about free resume template and free cover letter template.

šŸ“What is the work arrangement and location requirements?

The position is hybrid eligible with required Bay Area residency and in-office attendance three days per week in Palo Alto, CA. It's a full-time regular staff position.
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