"University Counsel - Investment Attorney"

The Office of the General Counsel is seeking qualified candidates to provide legal support to the Stanford Management Company (SMC). SMC is responsible for managing the $47 billion Merged Pool, which comprises the substantial majority of Stanford’s investable assets, primarily through external managers investing in a diversified portfolio of financial and real estate investments. Annual payouts from the Merged Pool support teaching, learning, and research across a wide variety of disciplines.

This position will report to the General Counsel of the University. The Investment Attorney will be involved in a wide range of investment transactions across multiple asset classes, with a primary focus on private investments. The Investment Attorney will also support existing portfolio holdings and general commercial transactions.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide high-level strategic and tactical counsel to investment teams across a broad range of assets, including private equity, public equity, venture capital, real estate, and natural resource fund investments.
• Review, draft and negotiate partnership agreements, side letters, term sheets, purchase and sale agreements, investment management agreements, subscription agreements and other investment-related documents.
• Proactively identify issues, provide analysis, and act as a resource regarding existing and contemplated portfolio holdings.
• Review, draft, and negotiate related commercial agreements.
• Work with outside counsel, investment professionals, and members of the investment operations team to address other legal, regulatory, and business issues.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience for the Staff Counsel 1 (L-level) position and a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience for the Staff Counsel 2 (N-level) position. Experience must be investment fund-related, including some sponsor representation.
• Membership in the California Bar preferred. Membership in another state’s bar with the ability to qualify as registered in-house counsel in California upon starting will also be considered.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance issues associated with investment-related activities.
• Strong ability to assess risk and achieve positive client outcomes.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and experience dealing effectively with a wide range of people.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to distill sophisticated legal matters into accessible analyses that support the work of SMC personnel.
• Sound judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values articulated by Stanford Management Company and Stanford University.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with outside counsel and other OGC attorneys.
• Residency in the Bay Area and in-office attendance at least three days per week is required.

The expected salary range is $140,000 to $188,000 per annum (for the Staff Counsel 1 position) and $200,000 to $248,000 per annum (for the Staff Counsel 2 position).

How to Apply:

Stanford University has partnered with Major, Lindsey & Africa to manage the search for this position and they will handle all inquiries and applications for this role. For consideration, please submit your confidential resume to Heather Fine at hfine@mlaglobal.com, Carol Simon at csimon@mlaglobal.com and Christina Tonioni at ctonioni@mlaglobal.com.