Education - Higher Education Attorney in Salt Lake City, UT

Academic

Salt Lake City, UT

Education - Higher Education Attorney in Salt Lake City, UT

Attorney

Min 5 yrs required

No

Position Title: College General Counsel

Job Summary:
The College General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer at a reputed firm, overseeing and managing all legal affairs of the institution. This role involves supervising a Deputy General Counsel and collaborating with an assigned Assistant Attorney General to provide proactive legal counsel and advice on strategic, legal, and public policy issues. The General Counsel is responsible for a broad range of legal areas including academic and corporate governance, employment issues, student affairs, compliance with laws and regulations, and risk management. This position reports to the President, with operational oversight by the Vice President for Government and Community Relations. It is an At-Will position.

Job Responsibilities:
- Provide legal counsel and advice to the institution's administration, monitoring and coordinating legal affairs across various departments.
- Develop and review contracts, assist in policy development, and ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
- Attend on-campus hearings as appropriate and provide training to minimize legal risks and costs.
- Collaborate with the Assistant Attorney General and Deputy General Counsel on litigation and legal matters.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, assist in investigations, and prepare written decisions for appeals and grievances.
- Promote preventive law practices, track data trends, and develop strategies to minimize institutional risk.
- Be accessible to the President and administrators, keeping them informed on legal matters and proactively addressing potential issues.
- Draft accurate and persuasive legal documents and provide training to prevent legal problems and litigation.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Information:
- Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
- License to practice in Utah and membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar, or ability to obtain admission within one year if licensed in another state.
- Minimum five years of substantial and progressively responsible legal experience, with a focus on providing sophisticated legal advice and counsel.
- Excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills, as well as problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Professional legal experience in higher education is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge:
- Advanced knowledge of higher education law, contract law, and legal areas pertinent to higher education.
- Understanding of procedural and evidentiary requirements for administrative hearings and litigation.
- Proficiency in legal research and ethical issues in a higher education setting.

Skills:
- Judgement, tact, diplomacy, and outstanding interpersonal skills.
- Ability to provide legal counsel and advice to senior administrators.
- Strong verbal, presentation, and communication skills, including active listening.
- Ability to draft persuasive legal documents and analyze complex problems.
- Strong computer fluency and negotiating skills.
- Unquestioned integrity and ability to communicate hard decisions and opinions effectively.

Abilities:
- Commitment to learning institutional policies and procedures.
- Facilitate solutions and gain compromises without damaging relationships.
- Lead by influence and consensus, representing institutional concerns persuasively.
- Act as a team player, prioritize and complete projects, and maintain confidentiality.
- Communicate effectively with diverse groups and maintain good working relationships.

Salary Information:
Starting Salary: $161,802-$190,355

Special Instructions:
Applicants are required to provide a three-to-five-page legal writing sample demonstrating their ability to advocate effectively, conduct persuasive legal analysis, and present arguments clearly and concisely with proper grammar and structure.

Supplemental Information:
The position is exempt from FLSA provisions and is subject to a successful criminal background check. The reputed firm is committed to equal employment and nondiscrimination policies, and it offers several retirement account options, including participation in Utah Retirement Systems.