Staff Attorney, Public Records & Student Affairs Practice

University of Maryland•College Park, MD

6d•$130,800 - $156,960•Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Attorney (“SA”) will serve as a member of the Office of General Counsel (“OGC”), the in-house office that provides legal advice, support, and guidance to the University of Maryland, College Park (“University”). The SA will primarily provide legal counsel and support on matters involving the Maryland Public Information Act (“MPIA”) and fulfill the University’s public records obligations. The SA will work under the guidance of the Senior Associate General Counsel & Public Records Officer and will assist with the processing, review and response to public records requests; perform legal and factual research; and draft & review related correspondence and legal documents. The SA will advise University clients regarding public records compliance and represent the University in matters before the Public Information Compliance Board and in Public Information Ombuds mediations. The SA will communicate and collaborate with University clients, outside counsel, government entities, and other third parties on public records matters. The SA will also provide legal counsel and support on a broad range of matters within the Student Affairs Practice. These matters may include student records and privacy, housing and residence life, student organizations, minors on campus, public safety, administrative complaints, tort claims, court orders & subpoenas, and other matters affecting the University’s student population and operations. The SA will conduct legal research, advise clients on applicable laws and regulations, and assist with the development and implementation of institutional policies and procedures. The position may also participate in grievance hearings and other administrative proceedings and serve on internal or external committees and advisory boards. The SA will provide additional legal services to University clients as directed by the Vice President and General Counsel (“VP-GC”), Deputy General Counsel (“DGC”), or Senior Associate General Counsel & Public Records Officer.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
Two (2) years of progressively responsible legal experience.
Admission to a state or DC Bar, and eligibility for admission to the Maryland Bar within twelve (12) months of hire.
Knowledge of federal and state applicable laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of three years of legal experience as a licensed attorney.
Outstanding writing, verbal, interpersonal and research skills.
Ability to organize information in a concise, logical and analytical manner and develop recommendations that involve subtle and sophisticated judgments.
Demonstrated ability to perform legal research involving federal, state and administrative statutes, regulations and case law.
Ability to think strategically, solve problems creatively, and provide actionable advice.
Strong proficiency using Microsoft Office and Google Workspace suite of applications, specifically Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; Gmail and Google Docs & Calendar.
Experience working in a university administration in either a legal office or another administrative office, in a government legal position, or in a law firm representing university or other public clients.
Experience working with the MPIA.
Experience reviewing/redacting a significant volume of records.
Existing membership in the Maryland Bar.
Working knowledge of Maryland laws, policies and processes.
Excellent organizational, planning, problem solving and interpersonal skills
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with University faculty and staff, citizens and members of the media seeking records.
Ability to use discretion and good judgment
Work under multiple, firm deadlines
Interact courteously and professionally with all constituencies
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all OGC matters.
Able to take direction and initiative while working efficiently in a high volume, deadline-driven environment
Ascribe to highest standards of honesty, quality and integrity.
Serve as a technical expert and advisor, using diplomacy and conflict-resolution skills.
Act with decisiveness and with an appropriate sense of urgency.

Responsibilities

Assist with the processing, review and response to public records requests
Perform legal and factual research
Draft & review related correspondence and legal documents
Advise University clients regarding public records compliance
Represent the University in matters before the Public Information Compliance Board and in Public Information Ombuds mediations
Communicate and collaborate with University clients, outside counsel, government entities, and other third parties on public records matters
Provide legal counsel and support on a broad range of matters within the Student Affairs Practice
Conduct legal research
Advise clients on applicable laws and regulations
Assist with the development and implementation of institutional policies and procedures
Participate in grievance hearings and other administrative proceedings
Serve on internal or external committees and advisory boards
Provide additional legal services to University clients as directed by the Vice President and General Counsel (“VP-GC”), Deputy General Counsel (“DGC”), or Senior Associate General Counsel & Public Records Officer