Associate General Counsel

Overview

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel and representing Utah State University (“USU”), attorneys in USU’s Office of General Counsel advise, counsel, and represent USU on a variety of legal matters. Attorneys in the USU Office of General Counsel serve as both generalists in many areas of law and policy and as specialists based on developed expertise in specific legal domains.

 

Consistent with skills, interests, and expertise this associate general counsel position may advise on topics such as research, employment, public records requests and management, policy development and review, hearing and grievance processes, state and federal regulatory requirements, and other matters assigned by the General Counsel. In carrying out these duties, this position may also advise cross-functional committees, work groups, and task forces.

 

This position will be based in Logan, but responsibilities may involve service to all campuses and centers in the statewide USU system.This position is eligible for hybrid telework within the state of Utah, subject to USU’s policy and procedures. Telework outside of the state of Utah is subject to review and approval by the University before a job offer is extended.

Responsibilities

• Provides timely, accessible, responsive, and sound legal advice and other legal services to University constituencies in a collaborative professional environment on the full array of legal issues arising in the context of higher education.
• Performs legal and factual research and analyses.
• Prepares and reviews legal correspondence and documents.
• Assists with the drafting of rules, policies, procedures, and other administrative documents.
• Provides training on legal interpretations and issues to USU officers, administrators, staff, and designated representatives.
• Reviews and tracks pending legislation at the state and federal levels.
• Prepares, negotiates, and reviews legal documents necessary to facilitate diverse transactions involving USU.
• May represent the University in grievances, agency actions, or arbitrations.
• Advise internal hearing and grievance panels.
• Maintain professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of the latest developments in higher education law and other related matters.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school;
• Strong academic credentials;
• Current license to practice law in Utah, or eligibility within three months of hire; If Licensed in another state, must be in good standing with the State Bar of that state (or those states) and be willing and able to become licensed in Utah within six months;
• Personal and professional integrity.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to create, compose, and edit legal correspondence, memoranda, and other written materials.
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations.
• Ability to research and analyze information and draw conclusions.
• Ability to represent University officials in administrative proceedings.
• Ability to draft legal documents, such as pleadings, legal responses, affidavits, position statements, briefs, agreements, and contracts.
• Ability to draft policies, procedures, and other administrative documents.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to be sensitive to and understand the special nature of working in an academic institution where the need for a collaborative working style, flexibility, adaptability, and patience is critical to success.
• Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions.
• Knowledge of contract documents and specifications.
• Knowledge of current and developing legal issues and trends.
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of legal research.
• Knowledge of process requirements of administrative hearings and litigation.
• Knowledge of legal documentation procedures and requirements.
• Excellent judgment and legal skills.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, and the ability to establish and maintain collegial and collaborative working relationships within the office and across the University and the System.
• Ability to exercise independent legal judgment and provide sound legal advice in a high-volume and fast-paced environment.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume/CV - Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “