Law Fellow
Share
Job Location:
Nashville, IN - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
Yesterday
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Department:
Job Summary
The Vanderbilt University Office of the General Counsel is seeking to hire a recent law school graduate (Class of 2026 or recently completed a clerkship) as a full-time Law Fellow. This position is available for a one-year term beginning in Fall (Aug/Sept) 2026 with the possibility for a one-year extension and does not lead to continuing employment. The position is paid and benefits eligible. The position may also qualify for law firm bonus and/or advanced standing (depending on law firm and office) and/or Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
The fellowship will provide an excellent opportunity to develop legal research and writing skills and will expose the Fellow to a broad variety of legal fields including education law federal and state regulation commercial and corporate law intellectual property law employment and student affairs and litigation all within the context of a major not-for-profit research university. Work will include legal and fact research; the drafting of memoranda contracts correspondence and other legal documents; and other tasks such as reviewing investigatory documents drafting and applying university policies and providing advice to various university employees and departments under the supervision of and with feedback from the offices attorneys. The Fellow will also have the opportunity to assist the General Counsel and other attorneys on special projects. The fellowship will challenge the fellow to exercise and strengthen independent judgment and creativity while collaborating closely with a team of subject-matter experts to address complex and novel issues facing the university. The fellowship will also develop the Fellows oral communication skills through regular coordination with a wide range of stakeholders requiring clear thoughtful and effective communication.
Strong academic credentials and excellent oral and written communication skills are important qualifications for this position.
About Vanderbilt University:
From its founding in 1873 as an institution devoted to strengthening the ties which should exist between all sections of our common country Vanderbilt University has forged a tradition of academic excellence infused with a unique spirit of collaboration and collegiality. Our mission lies in the quest to bring out the best in humanitypushing new ideas into the frontiers of discovery challenging the limits of whats possible and working diligently in the service of others. Vanderbilts closely connected park-like campus set in the heart of the rapidly growing city of Nashville Tennessee is representative of the enduring bonds that unite us as One Vanderbilt community.
About the Department:
As part of the Office of the General Counsel the Legal team provides timely and responsive legal advice to support Vanderbilts goals in research and education. The Office advises all Vanderbilt University departments in areas covering contracts intellectual property taxation business matters and student- and personnel-related issues. The Office of the General Counsel manages all litigation proceeding on behalf of the addition the University Compliance Services Internal Audit Enterprise Risk Management and Risk & Insurance Management teams report to the General Counsel.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Draft edit and review various legal documents such as contracts memoranda correspondence policies and procedures
- Conduct legal and factual research on various matters addressing a wide array of issues relevant to higher education
- Attend and report back on university meetings on topics of special interest
- Assist in managing matters in various stages of litigation with both internal supervising attorneys and external legal counsel
- Complete additional special projects as assigned by supervising attorneys
Qualifications:
New law school graduate (Class of 2026) or recently completed a clerkship
Interest in learning about higher education and related legal services
Strong oral and written communication skills
The ability to handle urgent and sensitive issues in a timely and ethical manner
Proficiency in basic and common technology including the Microsoft Office suite
J.D. is required with a preferred 3.5 GPA or above where applicable
Licensed to practice law in Tennessee or Tennessee licensure pending (already taken or planning to take the Tennessee Bar Exam in July 2026)
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. during the fellowship; employment-based visa sponsorship is not available for this role
Supervisory Relationships:
N/A
Education and Certification Requirements:
- New law school graduate (Class of 2026) or recently completed a clerkship
- J.D. is required with a preferred 3.5 GPA or above where applicable
- Licensed to practice law in Tennessee or Tennessee licensure pending (already taken or planning to take the Tennessee Bar Exam in July 2026)
Submission Requirements:
- Resume
- Cover letter/statement of interest
- Recent writing sample (approx. 3-5 pages; 10 pages max.)
Key Skills
- Teacher Coaching
- Public Health
- Google Docs
- Classroom Experience
- Systems Engineering
- Research Experience
- Teaching
- Grant Writing
- Leadership Experience
- Mentoring
- Public Speaking
- Writing Skills
About Company
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and ... View more
