University Counsel

ETSU•Johnson City, TN

15h•Onsite

About The Position

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) invites applications and nominations for an experienced leader to serve as University Counsel. This role is responsible for providing legal services, coordinating with the Attorney General, and overseeing outside counsel. The University Counsel serves as a primary legal advisor to the President and the Board of Trustees, working integrally with all departments to educate and advise on legal issues impacting the Institution, always keeping the University's mission and vision at the forefront. The ideal candidate will possess exemplary communication skills and business acumen, demonstrating the ability to manage, guide, and inspire a team of legal professionals and collaborate with campus constituents and external parties to achieve objectives. This position is crucial for fostering a collaborative and engaging environment and ensuring the delivery of legal services to accomplish university goals, strategies, and priorities.

Requirements

Must possess a demonstrated ability to engage in problem solving.
Must employ exceptionally strong judgment and unquestioned discretion in maintaining confidentiality.
Must adapt to a rapidly changing and intellectually challenging work environment.
Must maintain a collaborative work style and possess personal and professional integrity beyond reproach with a commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to effectively engage in and communicate the results of legal research and translate complex legal issues for a lay audience.
Must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills, be able to organize and direct a staff of professional/administrative personnel, be able to collaborate will all campus constituents, and have the ability to relate well with Trustees, senior administrators, students, faculty, staff, alumni, government officials, and external audiences.
JD from an ABA accredited law school or LLB.
Ten (10) years of professional legal experience required in a relevant area and a demonstrated understanding of federal and state legal and policy issues facing higher education.
Must either: (1) be a member of good standing to the Tennessee State Bar membership in good standing; or (2) be licensed to practice law in another state or the District of Columbia at time of hire and gain admittance to the Tennessee State bar within 6 months of employment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations affecting public higher education institutions.
Experience in negotiation strategies and tactics to achieve favorable outcomes.
Three (3) years of supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Identifies legal issues and conducts research to provide legal recommendations and proposals.
Advises on transactions, such as real estate purchases, ground lease agreements, management and development agreements, lease agreements, and contracts
Manages legal issues related to labor & employment, including Title VII, Title IX, ADEA, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, & OSHA.
Provides leadership and oversight of the Office of University Counsel including management of its personnel.
Works with Attorney General’s office to provide advice regarding all legal matters involving outside agencies or complainants.
Provides legal representation, advice, counsel, and opinions in all areas of law affecting the University, including, but not limited to corporate, student, and faculty affairs, academic programs, academic freedom, promotion and tenure, due process and First Amendment matters, campus security, NCAA rules and intercollegiate athletics, nondiscrimination statutes, financial aid, open meetings laws, the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act, trademark licensing, intellectual property, international agreements and immigration, privacy law, real estate, open records, all aspects of employment law, important legal documents and agreements, and University policies and procedures. University Counsel does not provide legal assistance to students, faculty, or staff regarding personal matters, but may provide general information about the legal system and referrals to legal aid resources.
Provides legal advice on issues related to higher education, and university grants, contracts, agreements, and related matters; provides advice and representation concerning the University’s participation in joint ventures with other universities, healthcare enterprises (Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, and other health sciences programs and their affiliated clinical operation), business entities, non-profits, or governmental organizations in the United States.
Oversee the University policy process.
Attends Board of Trustee meetings and serves as Attorney to the Board in legal matters.
Acts as a resource on the interpretation of existing or proposed local, state, or federal laws and regulations.
Provides legal memorandum to the President or as directed by the President.
Provides legal representation, advice, and opinions in monitoring and resolving disputes that may lead to mediation or litigation.
Arranges and supervises outside attorneys through the Office of the Attorney General.
Handles litigation as needed in cooperation with the Office of the Attorney General, including, but not limited to attending depositions, discovery conference, motion practice, in federal and state courts and with administrative agencies such as the TN Administrative Procedures Division.
Maintains a current knowledge of legal issues of importance to the University through participation in continuing legal education and membership in appropriate bar and professional associations.
Assists as needed with the University responses to external requests for information, reporting, complaints, or citations from external governmental or non-governmental organizations.
Responsible for the University’s public records process.
Responsible for oversight of the University’s NCAA certification process.
Reviews and advises on matters referred by the President.
Reviews and answers correspondence.
Performs other related duties as assigned.