Assistant Counsel

University of Colorado•Boulder, CO

4d•$131,600 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Counsel is a professional staff member of the University of Colorado’s Office of University Counsel. Based on the Boulder campus, the position provides legal advising, review, and analysis to the University of Colorado Boulder. The Office of University Counsel advises the Board of Regents, the president, system administration, and the campuses. The position requires professional legal knowledge and work that is predominantly intellectual and varied, involving creative, analytical, evaluative, interpretive, leadership, and critical-thinking abilities. The Assistant Counsel exercises discretion and independent judgment while collaborating with the managing legal counsel. The successful candidate will work closely with the team and campus partner offices in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, recognizing issues, proposing solutions, following up, and solving problems. The role reports to the Managing Associate University Counsel and Vice Chancellor for the Boulder campus. It is hybrid, with some work from home and at least two days per week in the CU Boulder campus office. Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within one month of starting. This security-sensitive position requires a criminal background check and is exempt from overtime provisions.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree 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 and the ability to act professionally with discretion and confidentiality.
Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including accurately interpreting and clearly conveying information and concepts.
Interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate interaction, communication, and partnership.
Ability to work collaboratively with integrity as part of 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 requiring short response times.
Ability to analyze, organize, and present legal issues, opinions, and recommendations effectively, orally and in writing, to varied constituents.
Flexibility to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities across campus partner offices.
Ability to build and maintain rapport and trust with internal partners and external contacts.

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 concerning records requests, subpoenas, and court orders directed to the University and its employees.
Provide holistic legal advice and guidance to the Boulder campus’s academic, student life, business, and research operations.
Attend and participate in campus committee meetings and provide legal advice and guidance.
Provide legal advice and representation in administrative hearings, including Colorado State Personnel Board proceedings.
Prepare University responses to investigations 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 involving higher education and university operations, including employment, students, research, athletics, immigration, constitutional issues, regulatory compliance, public law, corporate governance, University policies, employment law, online and international education, privacy, Title IX/VAWA/Clery Act, 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, as well as 401(k), 403(b), and 457 deferred compensation plans.
Pre-tax health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Sick and vacation leave and at least 12 paid holidays, including a dedicated winter-break week.
Six weeks of parental leave.
Tuition benefit program for the employee and/or 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.
Wellness programs.
Professional development.
Work-life balance.