Associate Counsel

University of Colorado • Denver, CO

13d • $165,000 - $175,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Counsel is a member of the professional staff of the University of Colorado’s (CU) Office of University Counsel, which provides legal services, research, and analysis to CU System Administration and the CU campuses as a result of the individual’s expertise with a particular legal issue or area.
The individual in this position: (1) possesses advanced knowledge associated with the professional practice of law; (2) performs independent associated duties that are predominantly intellectual and varied in nature, requiring creative, analytical, evaluative, interpretive, leadership, and/or critical thinking; and (3) exercises discretion and independent judgment, requiring very minimal supervision for day-to-day tasks.
The Associate Counsel functions with a high degree of autonomy and accountability and may be called upon to provide leadership and guidance to junior level attorneys, while working closely as part of a team to represent and advise the President’s Office and its administration. The Office of University Counsel prides itself on timely and excellent legal advice. The successful candidate must be able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment to quickly recognize issues, propose possible solutions, follow-up towards resolution, and solve problems.
This security-sensitive position requires a criminal background check for initial appointments, or at any time when determined by the position’s supervisory authority to be in the best interests of the University.
This position reports to the Deputy University Counsel System Administration and is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is exempt from the state personnel system based upon its professional level duties and reporting relationship to an officer of the administration (see C.R.S. § 24-50-135(1)(a)).

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school
• Eight (8) years practicing law
• Professional practice of law in a higher education or state government environment, which includes experience in labor and employment matters
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado, or the ability to obtain a Colorado license promptly after an offer of appointment
• Record of ethical behavior

Nice To Haves

• Ten (10) years practicing law, which includes:
• Substantial experience representing institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, or other public sector entities in labor and employment matters
• Knowledge of case law and Colorado state and federal laws and regulations concerning higher education institutions, especially related to labor relations and negotiations
• Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details clearly
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate interaction, communication, and teamwork between others
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and initiatives, in some cases with short timeframes for response
• Ability to analyze, organize, and effectively present, both orally and in writing, legal issues, opinions and recommendations to a variety of constituents
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and demonstrate flexibility to accommodate the shifting priorities of multiple constituents
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of internal constituents and external contacts in the provision of comprehensive legal services to the University
• Ability to work within a diverse team and actively seek out opportunities to promote and cultivate diversity across the organization.
• Demonstrated excellence as a team member:
• Ability to serve as a senior leader within an organization;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, organize, and effectively present, both orally and in writing, legal issues, opinions and recommendations to a variety of constituents;
• Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple projects and demonstrate flexibility to accommodate shifting priorities of multiple constituents;
• Demonstrated ability to deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of internal constituents and external contacts in the provision of comprehensive legal services to the university;

Responsibilities

• Advises on labor and employment across System and campuses
• Advises on other legal issues concerning the University including:
• Other aspects of labor and employment law including civil rights laws, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); for faculty, exempt professional, state classified, and student employees
• Federal and state laws and regulations, particularly those impacting institutions of higher education, health care providers, and/or pertaining to the conduct of research
• Public law issues, including open records and open meetings issues
• Application and interpretation of the Laws of the Regents and University Policies
• Student and faculty rights and responsibilities in a university setting
• Constitutional and civil rights
• Tax exempt organizations
• Land use planning
• Data Privacy, including FERPA
• Alcohol on campus
• Minors on campus
• Title IX / VAWA / Clery Act
• Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts, transactions, and other legal agreements with little to no supervision from supervising attorney.
• Analyzes, researches, drafts, and provides advice with respect to proposed legislation using complete independent judgment
• Seeks out opportunities to serve and advise University and System-wide committees and working groups
• Stays current with relevant legal changes or updates to provide the best advice available
• Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

• No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
• Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
• Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10%25 of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
• 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
• A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
• Free RTD EcoPass and Free Onsite Parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
• Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree