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Deputy General Counsel

Western University of Health Sciences

Position Link
Position TitleDeputy General Counsel
Position Control NumberA03175
Type of PositionAdministration
Position StatusFull-time
Department5003-Legal Affairs/General Counsel
CampusWestern University Campus-Pomona, CA
Position LocationCalifornia
Job SummaryUnder the direction of the General Counsel, this position is responsible for providing counsel and support to the University including providing legal advice and assistance to the Senior Management Team & Campus Leaders in various areas including student issues, employment issues, contract review/negotiation, policy interpretation and others.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Individual must possess the knowledge, as well as the following skills and abilities and be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some or a combination of the following skills and abilities:
1. Reviewing and advising on case law, regulations, bylaws, and other legal documents.
2. Working knowledge of employment laws and regulations, and applicable education codes.
3. Working knowledge of civil rights laws and regulations.
4. Advanced knowledge of contracting principles, including developing/drafting of contracts, negotiations, contract interpretation, contract administration, research skills and conducting a contract risk assessment.
5. Strong analytic and communication skills, able to articulate complex concepts in a concise, neutral, and compelling manner.
6. Strong computer/technology proficiency including Microsoft Office application, Contract Management Applications, and the internet.
7. Demonstrated superior judgment with ability to approach complex problems logically and systematically.
8. Outstanding attention to detail and follow-through skills.
9. Experience dealing with sensitive information and ability to maintain confidentiality.
10. Strong organization, planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.
11. Exceptional teamwork skills with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
12. Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision; prioritize and complete tasks while working under deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
13. Consistently exhibits a professional and positive attitude, demeanor, and ability to establish and maintain cooperative and mutually supporting working relationships across the Colleges/Departments.
14. Excellent customer focus and service skills.
15. Committed to working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.
Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelors Degree, J.D. degree,
Experience: 8 years or more of relevant legal experience, including but not limited to contract drafting, negotiation, legal research, interpreting law and drafting legal arguments and memos.
At least 5 years or more experience in a higher education or campus setting.
Familiarity with campus dynamics and risk management.
Ability to provide effective presentations.
Licenses: Active California State Bar membership
Preferred Qualifications
Essential Job Duties

Key ResponsibilitiesLegal Guidance: Perform legal analysis and provide legal advice to University/College administrators and/or designees on a variety of matters, including but not limited to , student conduct (including hearing procedures and student appeals), employee issues (including disability management, discrimination and harassment claims, wage and hour and workplace safety), policy development, risk management, institutional compliance, faculty affairs, research, financial aid, and other areas/topics. Provide legal advice on internal investigations of employment-related, student-related or other forms of complaints, ensuring that claims are addressed thoroughly, promptly and appropriately. Advise Campus Leadership on external matters and/or complaints, including the handling and disposition of such matters on behalf of the University. Assist with the development of viable courses of action to achieve appropriate management decisions and protect WesternU’s interests. Serve as a resource to internal stakeholders to strategically assess risks (legal, regulatory, security, reputational) and identify proactive solutions that will eliminate or mitigate risks. Effectively coordinate necessary actions with appropriate departments and General Counsel in a fast-paced and deadline driven environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesLegal Research and Drafting: Perform legal research on matters/issues. Draft settlement and separation agreements; draft mediation briefs and EEOC/DFEH/OCR/DOE position statements and responses, as directed or assigned.
Key ResponsibilitiesDeputy Responsibilities: Provide mentorship and guidance to Associate University Counsel and Contract Specialist(s). Serve on ad hoc and formal committees/task forces, on behalf of the Office of Legal Affairs. Serve as a back-up to the General Counsel, as instructed and/or directed. Create and deliver management and employee training programs, as appropriate. Represents WesternU’s interests in collaborative, informed and timely manner.
Key ResponsibilitiesOther duties, as assigned.
Key ResponsibilitiesContract Caseload: Perform contract review, as directed by the General Counsel, which include the development of concise language standards and rules for existing and new contracts, creating templates, negotiate terms and conditions of contracts/agreements,  serve as a liaison between internal and external parties during contract development and negotiation stages, and .analyze and report potential risks that contract changes may pose to the organization to University administrators and/or General Counsel, as appropriate .
Posting Details Continued

Work Schedule8:00am – 5:00pm, Mon-Friday; some weekends and evenings.
Working at WesternU


We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and/or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable.

We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally,

• Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success.

• Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment.

• Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community.

• As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences.

• WesternU’s core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do.

• We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people!

Expected Pay Scale

Minimum$180,000.00
Maximum$200,000.00