Assistant General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel

The University of Arizona seeks to fill an Associate General Counsel position in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) that will focus on distance and online higher education matters. 

The successful candidate also may have responsibilities in a diverse range of additional practice areas common to higher education institutions, such as student life and academics, compliance, litigation strategy and oversight, labor and employment, governance, public procurement, public records, privacy, civil rights, research, accreditation, risk management, law enforcement, real estate, public finance, administrative law, threat assessment and student health and safety, hearings, policy and procedure development, and information technology matters.

Please note that, while the online posting states a suggested salary range, the determination of salary will be based on experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilize legal expertise in advising clients on distance and online higher education matters that involve accreditation, state and federal governmental approvals and regulatory compliance, privacy and other compliance matters, affiliation and other collaboration agreements, licensure requirements, and general transactional matters

• Work closely with the attorneys and support team in OGC – as well as University administrators, faculty, and staff – and interact with outside counsel, other governmental offices, University-affiliated organizations, and ABOR
• Develop and foster strong relationships with clients and outside counsel to support strong connections with OGC

• Assist in developing and providing training and educational programs for administrators, faculty, staff, and other colleagues

• Contribute to the collaborative planning and execution of the University’s strategic priorities
• Engage in continuous education and improvement in legal practice and knowledge through professional development, and attend and participate as a presenter at conferences and workshops as appropriate and as requested
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exemplary interpersonal skills to effectively interact and maintain productive, cooperative, and mutually supportive working relationships with a wide range of individuals, departments, and constituents
• Superior legal research abilities and analytical skills with an ability to identify and frame complex legal issues and convey advice clearly, effectively, and succinctly to a broad constituency
• Commitment to inclusiveness, respect, and integrity
• Intellectual acumen coupled with excellent emotional intelligence, exhibiting creative thinking and commitment to inspire confidence with all constituents
• Superior communication skills, both verbal and written, coupled with impeccable attention to detail and a strong ability to engage in active listening
• Strong work ethic and demonstrated commitment to teamwork
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, complex, team-oriented environment, working efficiently and independently on multiple time-sensitive matters, and to prioritize effectively
• Ability to work collegially, professionally, compassionately, and in a tactful manner with all individuals
• Consistent and demonstrated professional, positive, and enthusiastic attitude and demeanor
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential matters with the highest degree of discretion and professionalism
• Ability to demonstrate impeccable judgment in decision-making and advising, including adhering to the highest standards of confidentiality
• Commitment to providing responsive, timely, and excellent legal services to clients
• Leadership and strong organizational, planning, coordinating, time-management and problem-solving skills
• Strong technology fluency and capabilities
• Keen understanding of crisis management and the role of legal counsel in circumstances where urgent safety, operational, or crisis situations may arise

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and three years of experience as a practicing attorney
• Admitted to practice law in the State of Arizona, in good standing, or be eligible and admitted to practice law in the State of Arizona within one year of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing legal service and counsel to research institutions, colleges, or universities or practicing law in a higher education environment
• Experience and knowledge of Arizona laws, rules, and regulations, including public procurement, public records, and public employment in Arizona

Posting Number: Req21785

Contact Information for Candidates:  Jennifer Bailey, jbailey2@arizona.edu