Assistant/Associate General Counsel

Saginaw Valley State University•Lexington, MA

21d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant/Associate General Counsel reports to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel and supports the Office of the General Counsel in contracts administration, policy drafting, legal research and analysis, compliance and investigations oversight and advice, litigation support, and related legal functions. The role provides legal support on varied and complex duties, tasks, and projects for Saginaw Valley State University and serves as a key resource to University leadership, departments, and the Board of Control. The position reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts and affiliation agreements; advises departments on contractual rights, obligations, and risk; researches and interprets laws and regulations applicable to University programs and operations; and advises leaders on compliance investigations and other legal matters. It monitors legislative, regulatory, and higher education legal developments and helps incorporate changes into University policies, regulations, and procedures. The role assists the General Counsel with litigation and administrative agency proceedings, including legal strategy, case coordination, and responses to claims and complaints. It prepares legal and case-related documents, supports timely responses to Michigan Freedom of Information Act requests and record-retention practices, and may advise the Board of Control in the General Counsel’s absence. The position requires confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive information. Work is generally performed indoors without exposure to adverse conditions, and all work must be performed within Michigan. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at hire and throughout employment. The university does not provide employment visa sponsorship for this job classification and does not participate in E-Verify; candidates are therefore not eligible for STEM OPT extensions.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Licensed to practice law in Michigan or admissible in Michigan within six months of hire.
At least five years of broad general legal practice in a private, public, or nonprofit setting, or at least three years of legal practice with demonstrated specific experience in a compliance-focused role or higher education institution.
Experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts.
Ability to synthesize complex information into easily digestible formats.
Ability to communicate legal language and analysis effectively to non-lawyers, including when conveying unpleasant or unwelcome information.
Demonstrated legal and ethical stature, maturity, competence, and confidence to operate credibly at the executive level, with a professional history of maintaining objectivity while achieving appropriate outcomes.
Ability to work independently, manage numerous projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
Ability to use sound independent judgment and professional integrity.
Record of providing prompt and effective research, analytical, and writing skills.
Ability to build and maintain professional, collaborative relationships with diverse groups across an organization, as well as stakeholders and community members.
Experience and ability to interact positively with all members of the campus community.
Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
Legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout employment.
All work associated with the role must be performed within the state of Michigan.

Nice To Haves

Ability to manage, prepare, and file employer-based visa petitions and applications for faculty, including advising on immigration matters and coordinating with outside legal counsel as appropriate.
Professional legal experience in higher education or government, or in multiple areas of law relevant to higher education, including Michigan constitutional autonomy, governmental immunity, First Amendment law, civil rights law, employment and labor law, athletics, student affairs, sexual misconduct, technology, intellectual property, accreditation, insurance law, international programs and activities, compliance, construction and real estate law, or research-related legal issues.
Extensive experience conducting investigations, litigating cases, or engaging in labor relations.

Responsibilities

Review, draft, and negotiate University contracts and affiliation agreements; advise departments on contractual rights, obligations, and risk.
Research and interpret laws and regulations applicable to University programs, policies, and procedures; advise leaders on compliance investigations and legal issues.
Monitor legislative and regulatory activity and help incorporate legal changes into University policies, regulations, and procedures to maintain compliance.
Monitor emerging legal developments and trends in higher education law and advise University officials on their potential effects on University business, operations, and policy decisions.
Assist the General Counsel in managing litigation and administrative agency proceedings, including preparing legal strategy, coordinating case-related activities, and assisting with responses to claims and complaints.
Prepare correspondence, memoranda, notes, reports, pleadings, subpoenas, affidavits, legal briefs, and other documents required for court and administrative agency matters.
Ensure appropriate and timely responses to Michigan Freedom of Information Act requests and support record-retention policies and procedures.
Provide legal advice to the Board of Control in the General Counsel’s absence; attend Board meetings as needed and help prepare legal materials and analysis.
Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion regarding sensitive information and topics in accordance with professional and ethical obligations.
Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or appropriate.