Associate Counsel

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Room 263, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

100013 Office VP & University Counsel

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 118

Compensation Range:

$140,350.00 - $210,525.00

Responsibilities:

GENERAL PURPOSE
With independent judgment and initiative and operating in conjunction with and in support of the Deputy General Counsel, provides legal services and advice concerning higher education. Responsible for advising on a variety of matters, including business and corporate law, purchasing, real estate, intellectual property, copyright, charitable gifts and endowments, debt, financing, and other general legal matters that are presented to the University's Office of Counsel. Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a variety of contracts, memoranda, and agreements, including procurement and purchasing matters, service agreements, and gift agreements. Advises key stakeholders, including departmental/school leaders, to fulfill business plans and meet strategic goals within the boundaries of the law.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts and provides legal advice related thereto, including procurement agreements, charitable gifts and related donor agreements, settlements, memoranda of understanding, and other business-related agreements.
• Provides oral and written legal advice and assistance to university officers and administrators in a timely manner, regarding a broad range of state and federal laws and regulations and University policies affecting University business and compliance that are not otherwise covered by the Office of Counsel staff assigned to medical center matters or labor and employment matters.
• Conducts legal research, drafts legal documents, and advises key stakeholders on legal matters with oversight from more senior counsel members.
• Prepares and maintains appropriate records and reports.
• Completes assigned portions of projects with oversight from more senior counsel members.
• Delivers reports to the Office of Counsel and contributes and delivers legal educational presentations for faculty and staff; maintains and improves personal legal expertise by following developments in the law and participating in continuing legal education in areas relevant to the operations of an institute of higher education.
• Drafts, reviews, and revises University policies under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel or more senior counsel members.
• Provides consultation to key stakeholders at the University. Prepares and maintains appropriate records and reports.
• With approval of the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel, works with and coordinates work of outside counsel and/or consultants on legal matters, including litigation matters and disputes in which the University is a party.
• Serves on committees as assigned.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Juris Doctorate Required

5 years of relevant legal experience; Required

Experience working in a university, college, educational institution, or with an organization that includes an academic medical center; Preferred

Experience coordinating complex transactions and knowledge of NYS corporate law; Preferred

or equivalent combination of education and experience. Required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• General familiarity with the following areas: student affairs (FERPA, Title IX, academic and non-academic discipline, disability accommodations and ADA compliance, local, state and federal civil rights laws affecting admissions, financial aid and programs, athletics, study abroad), faculty affairs (tenure, academic freedom, grievances), copyright and intellectual property, general liability/risk management, charitable giving.
• Knowledge of at least one other field of substantive law relevant to the needs of the University. Required
• Ability to efficiently and competently review and advise on contracts in a timely manner. Required
• Excellent communication skills, including demonstrated ability and judgment in the timely, effective transmission of information. Strong writing skills. Required
• Strong attention to detail. Required
• Excellent analytical and problem ‐ solving skills. Required
• Ability to prioritize work independently and complete projects in a timely manner. Required
• Ability to handle a wide variety of legal issues and learn new and developing areas of law that impact University business. Required
• Exercises good judgment in determining issues that should be elevated to supervisors. Required
Demonstrates the highest degree of ethics and professionalism. Required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• New York State bar admission or eligibility for registration in New York to work for the University as in-house counsel, with commitment to become licensed in NYS upon hire. Require

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.