Higher Education Law Fellowship - Office of University Counsel

The Office of University Counsel’s Higher Education Law Fellowship program provides a unique opportunity for attorneys to gain experience in higher education law. The one-year fellowship position is designed to offer broad exposure to the vast array of matters that counsel at a large, public research university might encounter. Fellows typically work with each of our attorneys as determined by the office workload and may assist, for example, in matters ranging from construction contracts to health law to core constitutional rights.

Assignments include legal research, drafting, and strategic thinking and planning. Fellows will have opportunities to meet with university clients, to attend court and school hearings, and to collaborate with seasoned attorneys who represent a diversity of expertise and working styles. For this position, the Office of University Counsel seeks a dynamic and creative individual with a demonstrated interest in higher education law.

Fellows receive a salary and benefits as postdoctoral associates at the University. To learn more about the benefits plan, visit the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs website at http://research.unc.edu/offices/postdoctoral-affairs/

Past Fellow Remarks

"As a Higher Education Law Fellow, I had opportunities to delve deeply into legal research on a variety of topics related to higher education law. This broadened my understanding of the higher education law landscape and prepared me for a successful career as an attorney in general and specifically as a higher education attorney. After my fellowship, I was offered a position as an attorney in public higher education and I feel as though I have already made meaningful contributions to my office and university, thanks to the mentorship and growth opportunities provided to me by OUC. "
Molly Harris, Higher Education Law Fellow ‘16-‘18

"I am so grateful to have begun my legal career as a fellow at UNC’s Office of University Counsel. Fresh out of law school, I had the opportunity to explore fascinating, complex legal issues – many of which lie at the intersection of conflicting state and federal authority – and work directly with campus clients to navigate the ever-changing landscape of higher education law. My colleagues at OUC inspired me to pursue a career in education law, and through their generous, thoughtful mentorship, I gained the skills and breadth of experience that allow me to effectively advocate for my clients."
Maura O'Keefe, Higher Education Law Fellow ‘14-‘16

"In addition to a broad foundation in higher education law, I am especially grateful for the mentoring I received from the many knowledgeable and experienced attorneys at OUC. I continue to practice education law today because of their support and the practical skills I developed and honed as a fellow."
Jim O'Rourke, Higher Education Law Fellow ‘12-‘13