Laboratory Counsel or Senior Laboratory Counsel

This position will report to the General Counsel of Stanford University. We seek exceptional attorneys with demonstrated strong judgment and a foundation of ethics and integrity. The attorney should be inspired by SLAC’s mission; interested in working closely in a small, collaborative, and transparent legal team and contributing to the success of the whole Office of the General Counsel; and dedicated to problem solving with leaders, scientists, and engineers in a high-touch and demanding environment.Core Responsibilities:In collaboration with the Chief Laboratory Counsel and Senior Laboratory Counsel, serving as strategic advisor and counsel to SLAC’s senior management team and Laboratory Director.Working with SLAC and University Human Resources leadership to contribute employment law expertise in support of identified business objectives.Managing investigations, claims and litigation, including engaging and overseeing outside counsel in employment law and other subject areas.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.Providing accurate and timely guidance on a wide range of legal issues.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.Working collaboratively with other colleagues in the Office of the General Counsel to support the University’s mission of research, education, and discovery.Qualifications:Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.A 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. However, all exceptional attorneys with demonstrated strong judgment, a passion for working with talented scientists and engineers, and enthusiasm for learning about national laboratories and universities and other areas of law are encouraged to apply.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, including at SLAC and across OGC.A deep commitment to ethics and integrity.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.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 is $210,000 to $ 275,000 per annum (for the Laboratory Counsel position) and $260,000 to $320,000 per annum (for the Senior Laboratory Counsel position).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.How to Apply:Stanford University has exclusively partnered with BarkerGilmore to manage the search for this position. BarkerGilmore will handle all inquiries and applications for this role. For consideration, please submit your confidential materials to Sarah Sullivan (View email address on click.appcast.io) and Jennifer Carr (View email address on click.appcast.io).Full timePosting Date: 2026-09-30