Research Counsel

University of Colorado • Denver, CO

5d • $97,000 - $100,000 • Remote

About The Position

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose. By joining our team, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado’s system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU’s campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities. We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you’re passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.
The Office of University Counsel provides legal research services to the University of Colorado’s (CU) Office of the President, litigation office, or one of our four campus counsel offices. The Research Counsel position is located at the CU System Administration Office and functions under the direction and supervision of senior legal counsel who are designated as special assistant attorneys general. The Office of University Counsel prides itself on timely and excellent advice and assistance to complete fast paced work as part of a tight knit team. Successful candidates recognize issues, propose possible resolutions, provide timely follow-up, solve problems, and work collaboratively across all areas of the organization. This position must possess advanced knowledge associated with the professional practice of law, perform associated duties that are intellectual and varied in nature, and exercise discretion and independent judgment.
This security-sensitive position requires a criminal background check. This position reports to the Associate Counsel and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff system.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited school of law
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado or eligibility and acquisition of licensure within one year of hire
• At least one (1) year of working experience post-graduation from law school within a legal environment, particularly law firm or in-house counsel experience
• Knowledge and ability to adhere to the highest level of confidentiality at all times
• Ability to work independently and under pressure, to manage multiple concurrent tasks and responsibilities, and to adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to interpret and apply complex rules and regulations
• Ability to utilize the Microsoft Office Suite products
• Ability to utilize Westlaw, WestNext, Lexis Nexis or other comparable legal research platforms
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a demanding environment
• Be a proactive self-starter with a demonstrated ability to show initiative in addressing and anticipating client needs
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Demonstrated client communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Three (3) years of work experience providing legal representation and advice to clients
• Professional experience providing legal services in a higher education setting and/or training on higher education issues
• Professional experience providing legal services in a government setting
• Experience in a professional legal team-oriented environment

Responsibilities

• Researches legal issues, prepares research memoranda, and assists senior legal on issues including, but not limited to, the following: Federal and state laws and regulations (in particular, those impacting institutions of higher education and government entities, for example, open records requirements)
• Bills introduced in the General Assembly
• Federal lobbying issues
• Laws of the Regents and University policies
• Employment law issues
• Tax-exempt status issues
• Corporate law issues
• Health care and patient care issues
• EEOC and civil rights issues
• State Personnel Board cases
• Faculty issues
• Student issues
• Reviews and analyzes legislation
• Reviews and drafts policies, contracts, leases, and other legal agreements under supervision of senior legal counsel
• Analyzes, researches, and drafts proposed legal opinions, both written and oral, for various University constituencies, including administrators, faculty, staff, and students
• Assists senior legal counsel with executing tactful and effective communication, both in writing and orally, with various internal and external constituencies, including faculty members, staff, students, federal and state officials, and the general public

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% 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