Staff Attorney

Eastern New Mexico University • Main Campus - Portales, NM

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The ENMU Staff Attorney provides legal and operational support to the Eastern New Mexico University System. Reporting to the Executive Director of System HR/Policy and Planning, this position assists with contract review, the development, interpretation, and implementation of institutional policies to support compliance with applicable federal and state laws, as well as employee relations/student relations matters when legal considerations apply. The Staff Attorney serves as an internal resource to help identify legal issues, coordinate requests for legal review, and facilitate communication between university administrators and the institution’s outside General Counsel. This position does not serve as the institution’s General Counsel but functions as a liaison to ensure matters requiring legal advice are appropriately referred and managed.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; ability to obtain admission in New Mexico within one year of hire preferred.
• One (1) year of experience practicing law, preferably in contract law, employment law, higher education, public sector law, or administrative law.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Understanding of the role of institutional counsel and the ability to appropriately route matters requiring formal legal advice to outside General Counsel.
• Familiarity with legal issues affecting public institutions and higher education environments.
• Ability to review and interpret contracts, policies, and legal documents.
• Ability to analyze legal and regulatory changes and translate them into operational guidance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with administrators, HR professionals, and institutional leadership.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to obtain admission in New Mexico within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and provides analysis of contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other legal documents.
• Serves as a liaison between university administrators and the institution’s outside General Counsel for matters requiring legal advice or formal legal review.
• Coordinates and tracks legal inquiries, document requests, and institutional responses involving outside counsel.
• Identifies legal risks related to institutional policy.
• Monitors changes in federal and state laws and regulations affecting employment and higher education operations and communicates relevant updates to institutional leadership.
• Assists with the development, review, and revision of institutional policies to ensure alignment with current legal requirements and best practices.
• Provides guidance to HR leadership and campus administrators regarding policy interpretation, employee relations matters, and procedural compliance.
• Assists with workplace investigations, documentation review, and preparation of materials related to personnel matters when legal considerations are present.
• Supports preparation of materials, summaries, and documentation related to agency complaints, administrative proceedings, or litigation in coordination with outside counsel.
• Maintains the institution’s legal budget, including but not limited to outside general counsel billing and reconciliation in coordination with system business offices.
• Develops training materials and provides guidance to administrators regarding compliance, policy implementation, and emerging legal issues affecting the workplace.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive personnel, legal, and institutional information.
• Regular and predictable attendance required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Electronic applications should be submitted through the "Apply" link at the top of this page.
• Please attach the following required documents to your electronic application: Letter of interest, Resume, Contact information for three references (blind or off-list reference checks may be conducted on finalists), Transcripts (unofficial for application purposes)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level