Assistant General Counsel

University of North Texas System•Denton, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of North Texas System Office of General Counsel is seeking an Assistant General Counsel to provide legal advice and services to the System and its component institutions. The attorney will join a team of attorneys and professional staff and handle a broad range of higher education legal matters. Approximately 30%–35% of the workload will involve supporting the public information office and advising on public information releases and records requests. The primary office is on the UNT campus in Denton, Texas. As-needed travel to UNT System locations is required; limited hybrid work opportunities may be available. The role includes work in academic and student affairs, administrative law, risk management and insurance, policy and legislative review, litigation support, ethics and conflicts of interest, employment law, information management, and regulatory and compliance matters, including the Clery Act, FERPA, Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, FLSA, FMLA, and EEOC-related matters. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to higher education, excellent and proactive legal service, client outreach, and professional development.

Requirements

At least two years of active legal practice.
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school; the required license section specifies a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
Licensed and admitted to practice law in Texas, or eligible to become licensed in Texas within one year from the date of employment, and in good standing or qualified to be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to research complex legal issues and prepare legal opinions and documents.
Ability to work collegially and advise managerial-level clients ethically, professionally, and respectfully.
Ability to identify and frame complex legal issues and explain advice clearly and effectively to non-lawyers.
Ability and willingness to engage in creative thinking and problem solving.
Ability to communicate effectively with the General Counsel, senior attorneys, office staff, external attorneys, and governmental agencies about significant matters affecting the UNT System and its institutions.
Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with Office of General Counsel colleagues and constituents throughout the UNT System.
Excellent time-management and prioritization skills.
Ability to work independently on multiple general assignments and handle complex assignments with moderate supervision.
Self-motivation, intellectual curiosity, and desire to learn new areas of law.
Discretion and ability to gain trust and maintain confidences.

Nice To Haves

At least four years of relevant legal practice in a higher education setting, with higher education clients, or in a government position such as an office of the Attorney General.

Responsibilities

Manage the public information process.
Draft and file briefs requesting public records rulings.
Provide legal advice and recommend courses of action to resolve legal, procedural, or administrative issues in compliance with applicable legal standards.
Conduct legal research and provide analysis, written and oral advice, and training to support client outreach and keep institutions current on laws and regulations affecting assigned areas.
Review policies, rules, regulations, and internal investigations for legal sufficiency.
Provide direct client contact and support to administrators and staff within the UNT System and its component institutions.
Support litigation deadlines with other attorneys and assist the Office of the Attorney General with discovery requests.
Advise UNT System managerial-level officials on legal issues involving employment, equal opportunity, student affairs, risk management and insurance, regulatory compliance, and higher education.
Draft responses to investigations by federal and state regulatory agencies.
Attend student disciplinary hearings as the campus's legal representative.
Research and author written legal educational material for client outreach and engagement.