What are the responsibilities and job description for the University Counsel position at Mississippi University for Women?
Essential Duties
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk, hear and sit. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Close vision is the vision ability required by this job
Job Description Summary
- Provides legal counsel and guidance to university administrators on all legal matters, as well as compliance with university policy; polices of the Board of Trustees; and federal and state statutes and regulations affecting public institutions of higher learning.
- Brings legal issues and concerns to the attention of university administrators in order to develop legal strategies and solutions, often in situations of significant political, public relations, or financial risk, and with limited time for assessing alternatives.
- Assists in the development, revision, and interpretation of university policies and procedures.
- Prepares, reviews and makes recommendations regarding the approval of contracts involving construction, leases, licenses, purchases, sales, insurance, employment, research and related matters to insure compliance with university policy, Board of Trustees policy, state and federal law, regulations and rules.
- Represents or oversees the representation of the institution and university administrators in judicial and administrative proceedings, and in negotiations with other state agencies.
- Confers with university administrators, faculty, employees, and student organizations on matters involving legal interpretation and decisions related to university activities, policy questions, and operating problems.
- Advises on academic issues and policies such as intellectual property, domain ownership and licensing, and academic and disciplinary matters.
- Serves as the official point of contact for all public records requests for university departments.
- Provides legal advice on all issues relating to employment law, discrimination, diversity, and equal employment opportunity.
- Provides legal advice on all issues relating to student affairs, student conduct and discipline.
- Conducts investigations.
- Advises University Relations, Athletics and other relevant offices on issues related to licensing and trademark use of university marker.
- Responsible for registration of university official marks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office.
- Directs development and management of Human Resources.
- Directs development and management of Title IX compliance and other relevant legislation to include monitoring and implementation of actions for compliance, education and prevention programs for students, faculty and staff.
- Assumes additional responsibilities as required.
Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association accredited law school
- Member of the State Bar or member of other state bar (membership required within 12 months of date of hire)
- Requires more than 5 years of experience
Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of higher education law and all applicable regulations which impact on all facets of university policy and operations
- Experience in the representation of governmental, corporate, or other complex organizations, with representation of higher education organizations preferred
- Excellent judgment, analytical, oral, and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage and organize multiple priorities simultaneously and work under pressure
- Ability to work with all constituencies
- Knowledge of the principles and procedures of legal research, legal documentation procedures and requirements
- Negotiating skills
- Knowledge of contract law
- Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions.
- Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and similar software application
- Requires travel and/or off-hours work
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk, hear and sit. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Close vision is the vision ability required by this job
As the chief legal officer, oversees and manages the provision of all legal services to the institution to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law and in compliance with IHL Board Policies and Bylaws. Provides strategic guidance, consultation and support to senior University administrators and other members of upper management on a comprehensive range of legal and associated issues involved in carrying out the mission of the institution. The University Counsel is a member of the President’s Cabinet; oversees the Office of Human Resources and Title IX Compliance; and may serve as Legislative Liaison.
Hours of Availability Background Check Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. However, failure to disclose may disqualify a candidate.
Requisition Detail Information
Requisition Number
FY20624NF
Open Date
11/04/2024
Will this job have a specific close date?
No
Close Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
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