Assistant or Associate Counsel, General Affairs

State of New York•Albany, NY

52d

About The Position

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal services and support to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor and senior officers for the State University of New York (SUNY) at SUNY System Administration at Albany, New York, and the presidents and administrators of the campuses within the System. Under the leadership of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and the General Counsel, the SUNY Office of General Counsel is responsible for providing legal services to the System and the 29 State-operated campuses. The OGC consists of more than 70 experienced higher education attorneys, paralegals and support staff located in Albany at the System Administration headquarters and in campus-based offices at the four University Centers, Health Science Centers, and various SUNY colleges. The legal practice of the OGC involves a substantial array of topics, including public procurement, governance and ethics, legislation, health care, capital construction, public finance, labor grievances and arbitration, litigation oversight (the State's Attorney General defends litigation brought against the University), student affairs, and the use of real property, among others. The OGC represents the State University in interactions with State officials who may regulate the affairs of the State University, including the Attorney General, State Comptroller, the Governor and staff, and members of the State Legislature and staff as well as other state and local agencies and entities. Job Duties and Responsibilities: The State University of New York System Administration, located in Albany, New York, invites applications for the position of Associate or Senior Counsel. As a staff member of the Office of the General Counsel, the Associate or Senior Counsel will assume responsibilities for an extensive range of legal matters on behalf of the State University and its State-operated campuses. Responsibilities will include contract negotiation and review; statutory and regulatory interpretation; drafting legal guidance; answering legal inquiries from SUNY System and campus clients; work on University-wide matters; and other duties as assigned. The Associate or Senior Counsel will also be responsible for providing legal advice and serving as the OGC primary relationship manager for various state-operated campuses; providing highly competent professional and timely legal services to SUNY System Administration clients and campuses through effective legal advice, advocacy, and preparation and review of campus documents/policies; and keeping SUNY clients informed of the status and significant developments in SUNY System Administration and campus lawsuits, claims, and legal developments in areas affecting SUNY and campus operations. The Associate or Senior Counsel will be a member of the General Affairs & Intellectual Property Practice Group and will work with OGC's practice groups, each of which are responsible for providing legal support to the OGC attorneys, SUNY System Administration, and campus leadership in a variety of legal areas affecting institutions of higher education, including but not limited to: Contracts Title VI, Title IX and Student Affairs Litigation, Labor and Employment Health Affairs Intellectual Property and Trademarks Immigration First Amendment

Requirements

J.D. degree from an accredited ABA law school.
Admission to the New York State Bar in good standing (or eligibility for admission within six months) and a strong academic background.
This position requires 5+ years of legal practice or relevant experience prior to beginning the position.

Nice To Haves

Significant experience advising clients on complex legal issues, especially with governmental entities.
Legal experience in an academic setting or government law office.
Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple and changing priorities and objectives.
Superior written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong analytical and legal research skills.
Applicants with a valid driver's license are preferred.

Responsibilities

contract negotiation and review
statutory and regulatory interpretation
drafting legal guidance
answering legal inquiries from SUNY System and campus clients
work on University-wide matters
providing legal advice and serving as the OGC primary relationship manager for various state-operated campuses
providing highly competent professional and timely legal services to SUNY System Administration clients and campuses through effective legal advice, advocacy, and preparation and review of campus documents/policies
keeping SUNY clients informed of the status and significant developments in SUNY System Administration and campus lawsuits, claims, and legal developments in areas affecting SUNY and campus operations

Benefits

NYS health insurance, free dental and vision coverage, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance, parental leave at full pay, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday time. 13 days of paid holidays per year; 21 days of vacation and 21 days of sick time accrued each year.
Retirement: The choice between a fully funded pension plan and a self-driven defined contribution plan, along with two supplemental plans to increase your ability to save for retirement.
Health Insurance: Several health insurance options at an affordable cost that provide full coverage without mandatory deductibles.
Time Off: Paid time off with separate vacation and sick leave accruals up to 21 days a year for each category.
Additional paid leave policy options for childbirth, adoption, elder care, and other family care situations.
Flexible Working Arrangements: Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid schedules, are available depending on position.

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