Assistant or Associate University Counsel

at  Illinois State University

Job no: 519181
Work type: On Campus
Location: Normal, Illinois
Title: Assistant or Associate University Counsel
Division Name: Presidential
Department: Office of General Counsel
Campus Location: Normal, IL

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant or Associate University Counsel is a highly skilled and experienced attorney and a vital member of the in-house legal team at Illinois State University. Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Associate University Counsel has primary responsibility for the management of numerous and varied legal matters and will provide timely and effective advice and counsel to various University units and personnel. Subject matter responsibility includes representing the University before state and federal external agencies, appearing in state and federal court, managing university litigation (both cases handled in house and with outside counsel), third party discovery requests, subpoenas, and records requests, conducting risk management analysis of litigation, and providing legal advice related to the University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, NCAA compliance, Title IX compliance, faculty employment issues including related Appointment Salary Promotion and Tenure Policies (ASPT) and other policy matters with other matters as assigned. This employee must be capable of working with minimal supervision, work very positively within a dynamic team, be an excellent communicator, be willing to develop new areas of sub-specialty, and be willing to work on what is necessary as needs may arise in a hands-on, high-volume in-house counsel office. This employee must be capable of working with minimal supervision, of working very positively within a dynamic team, be an excellent communicator, and be willing to work on matters beyond primary focus as needs arise including willingness to develop new areas of sub-specialty in a hands-on, high-volume in-house counsel office.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Law degree from an American Bar Association Accredited Law School
2. Licensed and in good standing to practice law in State of Illinois, or eligible for admission to practice within six months of employment
3. Five or more years of civil defense litigation experience including direct trial experience and direct client interaction.
4. Excellent analytical skills and legal research and writing skills.
5. Excellent verbal, and written communication skills to effectively interact with University leadership, administrators, campus partners and stakeholders.
6. Excellent interpersonal and advising skills demonstrating empathy, courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach demonstrating a commitment to effective client service.
7. Ability to work independently while effectively keeping supervisor, colleagues, and clients informed.
8. Excellent problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to address difficult and complex issues.
9. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and work on multiple time-sensitive, concurrent, complex matters.
10. Ability to address senior level administrators and other groups with confidence.
11. Appreciation of unique and often complex decision-making dynamics associated with working for a university.
12. Willingness to work on matters beyond primary focus as needs arise including willingness to develop new areas of sub-specialty in a hands-on, high-volume in-house counsel office.
13. Ability to use common computer applications and case management software.
14. Ability to represent the University professionally and tactfully.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience practicing law in a University setting or other in-house environment or in regular representation of public or private institutional clients.
2. Employment law experience.
3. Education law experience.
4. Civil Rights litigation experience.
5. Civil defense litigation experience.
6. Title IX compliance experience.
7. Experience working directly with HR, risk management, and employees of clients.

Please refer the Job description for details