Assistant Counsel

University of Colorado•Boulder, CO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Counsel is a member of the professional staff of the University of Colorado’s Office of University Counsel. Located on the Boulder campus, the position provides legal advising, review, and analysis to the University of Colorado Boulder. The role requires professional legal knowledge and intellectual, varied work involving creative, analytical, evaluative, interpretive, leadership, and critical-thinking skills. The Assistant Counsel exercises discretion and independent judgment while collaborating with the Managing Associate University Counsel and works as part of a team to represent and advise the University. The Office of University Counsel provides legal advice to the Board of Regents, the president, system administration, and the campuses. Its work is high-volume and fast-paced, and the successful candidate must recognize issues, propose solutions, follow up, solve problems, and collaborate with colleagues and campus partner offices. The Assistant Counsel reports to the Managing Associate University Counsel and Vice Chancellor for the Boulder campus. Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment. The role is hybrid, with some work from home and at least two days per week in the office on the CU Boulder campus. Leadership may change in-office requirements with at least three months’ notice. This is a security-sensitive position requiring a criminal background check. It is exempt from overtime provisions and the state personnel system based on its professional-level duties and reporting relationship.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate (JD) from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
Four years practicing law.
Licensed to practice law in Colorado, or able to obtain a Colorado license promptly after an offer of appointment.
Record of ethical behavior.
Knowledge of Colorado state and federal laws and regulations concerning higher education institutions.
Exceptional customer service skills, demonstrated professionally and with discretion and confidentiality.
Strong oral, written, and listening communication skills, including accurately interpreting others and clearly conveying information and concepts.
Interpersonal skills to facilitate interaction, communication, and partnering.
Collaborative, personable, and integrity-driven approach to working on a collegial team in a complex, fast-paced, decentralized environment.
Ability to engage in creative problem solving.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and initiatives, including those with short response timeframes.
Ability to analyze, organize, and present legal issues, opinions, and recommendations orally and in writing to varied constituents.
Flexibility to manage multiple projects and accommodate shifting priorities among campus partner offices.
Ability to build and maintain rapport and trust with internal partners and external contacts.
Must be a Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment.
Submit a cover letter and resume through CU Careers; emailed application materials will not be considered.
Unable to sponsor applicants for work visas.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing in-house legal services in higher education, K–12, or state government.
Six or more years practicing law.
Professional experience in a dynamic, collegial, team-oriented environment.
Professional experience in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Maintain knowledge of University policies, state and federal law, and government regulations.
Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, business transactions, and other legal agreements.
Review, draft, and advise on campus and system-wide policies and procedures.
Provide legal advice related to records requests, subpoenas, and court orders directed to the University and its employees.
Provide holistic legal advice and guidance to Boulder campus academic, student life, business, and research operations.
Attend and participate in campus committee meetings, providing legal advice and guidance.
Provide legal advice and representation in administrative hearings, including hearings before the Colorado State Personnel Board.
Prepare the University’s responses to investigations conducted by law enforcement and regulatory entities, including the State Personnel Board, EEOC, Colorado Civil Rights Division, and federal Office for Civil Rights.
Advise on legal matters concerning higher education laws and operations, employment, students, research, athletics, immigration, constitutional issues, regulatory compliance, public law, corporate governance, University policies, education, privacy, Title IX, tuition classification, and real property.

Benefits

No-cost or low-cost medical and dental plan options, some including IVF assistance.
Disability, life, and vision insurance options.
Retirement planning options, including a mandatory 401(a) plan with a 10% employer contribution, 401(k) or 403(b), and 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre-tax health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Sick and vacation leave.
At least 12 paid holidays, including a dedicated winter-break week off.
Six weeks of parental leave.
Tuition benefit program for employees and/or their dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at the 1800 Grant Street Office.
Additional perks and programs through CU Advantage.
Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.
Professional development and wellness programs.
Work-life balance.