Senior Director, Legal Affairs

Department: Office of the President

Reporting To: President 

Position Description

The Senior Director, Legal Affairs is Habib University’s chief in-house legal officer and serves as principal counsel to the President, Board of Governors, and senior leadership. Reporting directly to the President, this role provides strategic, institution-wide legal guidance covering governance, regulatory compliance, litigation, contracts, intellectual property, employment law, and student affairs. The position is responsible for building and sustaining a high-performing legal function that proactively identifies and mitigates institutional risk, upholds the University’s values and mission, and ensures full alignment with applicable federal, provincial, and international laws as well as higher education best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

Institutional Governance & Compliance

• Serve as the principal legal advisor on governance, statutory interpretation, and regulatory compliance across all institutional functions.

• Provide legal guidance on Board of Governors’ resolutions, bylaws, governance charters, and conflict-of-interest matters; advise management on corporate structure, governance policies, and related filings.

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulatory authorities, including Higher Education Commission (HEC) requirements, Sindh and federal statutes, and international standards as relevant.

• Anticipate and proactively address emerging legal and regulatory risks in the University’s operations, advising leadership before issues escalate.

• Monitor and implement changes in laws, regulations, and governance codes; brief the Board and management on their implications for the University.

• Support the University's NECHE accreditation efforts by advising on the legal dimensions of institutional integrity, governance documentation, policy alignment, and responses to accreditor inquiries, evaluations, or conditions 

Litigation & Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and report on institutional legal risks; develop and recommend mitigation strategies aligned with the University’s risk appetite.

• Oversee the University’s full litigation portfolio, managing arbitration, regulatory proceedings, and court matters in coordination with external counsel.

• Instruct, supervise, and manage external legal counsel on specific matters; review and control associated legal costs and budgets.

• Represent the University in judicial and administrative forums where authorized; appear at court hearings as required.

• Conduct legal research as needed and deliver written analysis of findings, risks, or strategic options to senior leadership.

Contracts, Intellectual Property & Research

• Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a wide range of contracts, agreements, leases, licenses, and memoranda of understanding — including those related to research projects, construction, donor agreements, and financing.

• Advise on and protect the University’s intellectual property, publications, research outputs, and academic programs under applicable local and international law.

• Maintain a centralized legal repository and contract management system; develop standardized templates and risk-mitigation clauses to safeguard institutional interests.

• Provide legal counsel on tax-exempt status, endowment matters, and the University’s charitable and nonprofit obligations.

Employment, Labor Law & Human Resources Advisory

• Draft, review, and finalize employment agreements, including for faculty, administrative staff, and senior leadership, ensuring compliance with applicable labor laws.

• Advise on disciplinary matters, grievances, internal investigations, terminations, and evolving employment law requirements.

• Provide legal risk assessments to the Office of People & Culture on workplace policies, contractual obligations, and HR decisions.

• Support the University in employment-related disputes and coordinate with external counsel on labor litigation.

Student Affairs Legal Compliance

• Ensure the legal sufficiency of student conduct codes, disciplinary frameworks, and academic integrity policies.

• Advise on due process rights, privacy obligations (including FERPA equivalents), and regulatory compliance concerning student records and data.

• Support resolution of student disputes, complaints, and appeals with legally defensible positioning.

Faculty Affairs & Academic Legal Compliance

• Ensure the legal sufficiency of faculty appointment, promotion, tenure, and non-renewal processes, including due process protections.

• Advise on academic freedom, faculty misconduct investigations, and grievance proceedings.

• Support compliance with HEC faculty qualification and ratio requirements and advise on the legal dimensions of NECHE accreditation standards as they relate to faculty matters.

• Provide legal guidance on visiting faculty appointments and short-term contract structures.

Strategic & Cross-Functional Support

• Advise leadership on the legal implications of strategic plans, new programs, partnerships, capital projects, and institutional initiatives.

• Attend and provide legal counsel at internal and external meetings, including Board committees and senior leadership forums.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, HR, Operations, Academic Affairs, and Research to ensure legal alignment in key decisions.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the President or as implicit in the mandate of the role.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and/or Master of Laws (LL.M.) from a recognized institution.
• Membership/enrollment with a Bar Council enabling legal practice in Pakistan
• A specialized certification in higher education law, compliance, or governance would be an asset.

Required Experience 

• Minimum 10–15 years post-qualification experience, with significant legal advisory experience in higher education, nonprofits, or corporate legal functions.
• Prior experience advising higher education institutions, nonprofits, or complex multi-stakeholder organizations is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience interfacing with Boards of Trustees or Governors is highly preferred.
• Excellent drafting skills; knowledge of civil, constitutional, contract, employment, administrative, property, and intellectual property law.
• Experience with litigation management, external counsel supervision, and legal budget oversight.