Associate University Counsel

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

Provide legal advice and counseling to university clients regarding the full spectrum of student-related issues, which includes: -Working closely with student-related clients, including administrators and staff in Student Life, Enrollment Management, Provost’s Office, the university’s 16 colleges (including its professional programs and graduate school), P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, UF Early Childhood Collaboratory, Compliance & Ethics, and other university units and affiliates. -Advising on compliance with state and federal laws applicable to universities and entities receiving federal and state funding, university regulations, policies and other governing authorities, Board of Governors regulations, and federal and state agency opinion letters and guidance. -Advising Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution office regarding the student conduct process and other related matters. -Advising Disability Resource Center regarding the student accommodation process and other related matters. -Advising the university’s developmental research school, P.K. Yonge, on compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations related to pre-K-12 education. -Advising the university’s Early Childhood Collaboratory on compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations related to childcare and early education. -Advising on and assisting with the development and modification of student-related regulations, policies, training, guidance, and communications. -Representing the university in student-related litigation and government investigations and audits and engaging with opposing counsel to resolve matters, when appropriate. -Identifying and assessing legal risks, opportunities, and relevant changes or emerging trends within higher education and advising accordingly. -Providing training to clients and stakeholders on legal compliance, policies, and procedures. Provide legal advice and counseling to the university’s Division of Business Affairs, which includes: -Working closely with the administrators and staff in Business Affairs, Environmental Health & Safety, and the University Police Department on legal issues related to campus events, use of space, protests and other matters requiring risks assessments and balancing civil rights with laws, regulations, and policies related to disruptive conduct. -Advising and serving on the university’s threat assessment team. -Advising on and assisting with the development and modification of business affairs-related regulations, policies, training, guidance, and communications. Advise and represent the university in other legal matters, including public records and sunshine meetings, as requested or assigned.

Requirements

A law degree (J.D.) and three years of experience as a practicing attorney.
Must be a member of the Florida Bar or become a member within twelve months of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience advising clients on matters common to public higher education, including civil rights, public records, state and federal laws applicable to higher education and state and federal funded institutions, petitions for writ of certiorari and mandamus, privacy, and First Amendment and other constitutional violations.
Experience working in a law firm environment or mid to large sized public university legal department with an emphasis on providing high-quality client-focused service.
Good project manager who can bring various constituencies and stakeholders together to complete projects timely and efficiently. Exceptional organizational skills.
Team player who is comfortable with a dynamic and changing environment and who emphasizes collaboration and team performance over management hierarchy.
Ability to manage numerous projects and cases simultaneously under tight deadlines while maintaining a good sense of humor and positive attitude.
Skilled oral and written communicator.
Creative thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to stay calm under challenging circumstances.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and counseling to university clients regarding the full spectrum of student-related issues
Work closely with student-related clients, including administrators and staff in Student Life, Enrollment Management, Provost’s Office, the university’s 16 colleges (including its professional programs and graduate school), P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, UF Early Childhood Collaboratory, Compliance & Ethics, and other university units and affiliates.
Advise on compliance with state and federal laws applicable to universities and entities receiving federal and state funding, university regulations, policies and other governing authorities, Board of Governors regulations, and federal and state agency opinion letters and guidance.
Advise Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution office regarding the student conduct process and other related matters.
Advise Disability Resource Center regarding the student accommodation process and other related matters.
Advise the university’s developmental research school, P.K. Yonge, on compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations related to pre-K-12 education.
Advise the university’s Early Childhood Collaboratory on compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations related to childcare and early education.
Advise on and assist with the development and modification of student-related regulations, policies, training, guidance, and communications.
Represent the university in student-related litigation and government investigations and audits and engaging with opposing counsel to resolve matters, when appropriate.
Identify and assess legal risks, opportunities, and relevant changes or emerging trends within higher education and advising accordingly.
Provide training to clients and stakeholders on legal compliance, policies, and procedures.
Provide legal advice and counseling to the university’s Division of Business Affairs
Work closely with the administrators and staff in Business Affairs, Environmental Health & Safety, and the University Police Department on legal issues related to campus events, use of space, protests and other matters requiring risks assessments and balancing civil rights with laws, regulations, and policies related to disruptive conduct.
Advise and serve on the university’s threat assessment team.
Advise on and assist with the development and modification of business affairs-related regulations, policies, training, guidance, and communications.
Advise and represent the university in other legal matters, including public records and sunshine meetings, as requested or assigned.