Job Information
University of Delaware Assistant/Associate General Counsel, Generalist in Newark, Delaware
Assistant/Associate General Counsel, Generalist
Job no: 501042
College / VP Area:VP and General Counsel
Work type: Staff
Location: Newark/Hybrid
Categories: Legal & Compliance, Full Time
PAY GRADE: 35E
CONTEXT OF THE JOB:
Office of General Counsel (“OGC”) attorneys have wide-ranging practices and must handle multiple, unrelated matters concurrently. All attorneys must be able to complete complex projects both independently and with direction from the General Counsel. Reporting into the Vice President and General Counsel, the Assistant/Associate General Counsel must be able to prioritize multiple competing priorities and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. Experience working in an in-house environment, especially within higher education, will be strongly considered. The Assistant/Associate General Counsel will be expected to handle matters and transactions from beginning to end with minimal supervision, participate in team-wide process improvement initiatives, and provide advice and guidance on complex legal matters to the University leadership and departments.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Represent the University across a wide array of legal matters, serving as both a generalist in multiple areas of law and policy and a specialist by cultivating expertise in specific legal domains.
Serve as the primary legal point of contact for various university units, offering guidance on a diverse range of topics relevant to the institution’s business and operations.
Identify and assess legal issues and risks, providing clear and constructive recommendations while ensuring compliance with local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations.
Offer counsel on university governance, participating in the development of policies, procedures, and guidelines in alignment with legal standards.
Address and resolve disputes (excluding representation in litigation or arbitration proceedings).
Aid clients in refining business processes, documentation, and agreements to enhance efficiency; engage in drafting and negotiation of agreements.
Collaborate with university officials, offices, and departments to design and deliver legal education and support for the University of Delaware community.
Interpret and evaluate university regulations, policies, and procedures to discern the necessity for policy development or changes that safeguard and advance the university’s legal interests.
Serve as a legal advisor to key work groups, committees, and related entities as needed.
Work within the OGC to provide advice and counsel on a variety of other issues facing academic institutions and large employers as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited ABA law school and three years of experience as a practicing attorney.
Prior employment in a higher education setting, government, or non-profit organization and thorough understanding of legal, academic, and operational issues pertinent to research-intensive public universities preferred.
State of Delaware law license or eligibility for licensure within twelve months of hire under an in-house limited license.
Proficiency and experience in drafting and negotiating agreements, as well as advising on compliance matters.
Strong research and analytical skills, coupled with sound judgment.
Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under the pressure of frequent interruptions, conflicting demands, and changing priorities.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, capable of effectively communicating at all levels within the University and externally.
Strong client service orientation and skills.
Demonstrated ability to identify potential legal issues or long-term implications of policy and legal decisions.
Capacity to thrive in a collaborative, diverse environment and work independently with a high degree of motivation.
Substantial expertise in at least three practice areas relevant to higher education, such as student life, civil rights, state and federal constitutional law, contracts and procurement, public records, public meetings, intellectual property protection, subpoenas and discovery, privacy, ethics, Title IX, institutional compliance, labor and employment, immigration, sponsored research, NCAA division one athletics, police and law enforcement, campus safety, threat assessment, data privacy and security, development, governance, technology transfer, business transactions, taxation and public finance, real property, and risk management and insurance, or others.
High ethical standards, reflecting honesty, integrity, and reliability.
Exceptional judgment in balancing legal risks with business strategy and establishing relationships with various constituencies.
Familiarity with laws and regulations specific to colleges and universities, including Title IX, Section 504, FERPA, GDPR, and PIPL preferred.
Willing to develop expertise in new subject areas as needed by clients preferred.
Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
Commitment to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.
Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.
Applications close: