Associate Counsel - Litigation

UMass President's Office•Amherst, MA

8d•$130,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Litigation Attorney in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) handles litigation matters concerning the University of Massachusetts President’s Office and its Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell, Westborough, and Worcester campuses and offices in state and federal courts and administrative agencies. The attorney represents and advises the University system, campuses, officers, administrators, and employees in litigation and pre-litigation matters, including civil rights, student affairs, and employment issues. The role also provides advice on non-litigation higher education matters and coordinates with campus and University colleagues, outside counsel, and government agencies. The position is based in a typical office environment in Westborough or Boston, with a hybrid schedule as directed by the General Counsel, and requires travel to University campuses and other in-state locations as necessary. Offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Requirements

J.D. and licensure in Massachusetts.
At least 6 years of litigation experience, preferably involving complex employment and/or discrimination matters.
Exemplary writing, legal research, oral advocacy, and communication skills.
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and work with a variety of University staff positions.
Excellent analytical skills, creative thinking, problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and a collaborative style.

Nice To Haves

Interest in learning new areas of law.
Interest in developing superior communication and mediation skills.
Interest in continued professional development through internal and external means.

Responsibilities

Provide legal representation, advice, and counsel to the University system, campuses, officers, administrators, and employees concerning claims in state and federal courts, administrative agencies, and appellate courts, including efforts to resolve claims before litigation.
Collaborate with OGC colleagues, campus and system employees, court personnel, external counsel, Office of the Attorney General attorneys, agency counsel and principals, opposing counsel, and unrepresented parties on litigation matters.
Conduct legal research and discovery; draft motions and briefs; present oral arguments; prepare for and attend hearings and trials; and conduct mediations and settlement negotiations.
Manage the retention, gathering, preservation, protection, logging, and production of litigation documents.
Use the OGC case management system and related technology.
Assist with hiring employees or interns and evaluating supervisees; oversee litigation support staff and legal interns.
Work with or supervise outside counsel and Office of the Attorney General attorneys on certain matters.
Advise campus clients on matters such as employee hiring and termination, student discipline under applicable due process and Title IX standards, and other non-litigation and pre-litigation higher education matters.
Coordinate with public communications, public records, procurement, insurance, compliance, risk management, and other non-litigation colleagues within the President’s Office and on campuses concerning litigation and pre-litigation matters.
Perform other responsibilities as required.