Assistant General Counsel

Ferris State University • Big Rapids, MI

6d • $110,000 - $125,000

About The Position

Under general direction from the General Counsel or his/her designee, advise and represent the University in various legal matters.

Requirements

• J.D./L.L.B. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Two or more years of experience as an attorney.
• Membership in the State Bar of Michigan or eligibility to gain admission into the State Bar of Michigan within a short time after hire.
• Demonstrated capacity for legal reasoning.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively work with varied constituencies and viewpoints through the use of excellent communication, guidance, advising, and mediation skills.
• Plan, organize, and make sound judgments and decisions.
• Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a university or public sector environment; knowledge of Michigan law, and business law or labor and/or employment law experience.

Responsibilities

• Confer with and advise University officials on a wide variety of legal matters/topics, constitutional law, general business and contractual matters, including issues relating to public corporations, government regulatory compliance, and employment law.
• Interpret, revise, and draft policies of the University, including Board of Trustee policies. Collaborate with University officials regarding effective use and implementation of policies.
• Conduct legal research and prepare policies, resolutions, memorandums of law, and legal opinions.
• Draft, review, and administer contracts.
• Represent the University in legal proceedings.
• Conduct University litigation and claims and their defense.
• Monitor the adoption of significant legislation, the issuance of significant court or administrative rules, regulations, guidelines, or interpretations affecting the University, and advise appropriate University officials of the same.
• Monitor and coordinate litigation assigned to external counsel.
• Assist in formulating and implementing institutional strategies for preventing legal problems.
• Provide legal training for University administration through systems, programs, etc.
• Collect and tabulate data from a variety of sources, including the collection of documents/data for responses to subpoenas, Freedom of Information Act requests and requests for legal assistance through interviews or written correspondence.
• Assist with compliance efforts, including but not limited to the Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Assist with student affairs, student discipline, and Title IX legal issues.
• Responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of designated information.
• Serve on various committees and represent the General Counsel's office on University matters as requested.
• Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
• Reports directly to the General Counsel.
• Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees