Assistant or Associate University Counsel

Title: Assistant or Associate University Counsel
Division Name: Presidential
Department: Office of General Counsel
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Illinois State University seeks an Assistant or Associate University Counsel to join the in-house legal team in the Office of General Counsel (OGC). Under the direction of General Counsel, the Assistant or Associate University Counsel is responsible for managing all aspects of the University’s litigation portfolio (representing the University before state and federal agencies; conducting risk management analysis of litigation; working with General Counsel to select representation for specific litigation matters; managing university litigation and serving as primary contact for outside counsel; coordinating responses to third party discovery requests, subpoenas, and records requests). The Assistant or Associate University Counsel also advises University administrators and units on a variety of legal and policy matters with emphasis on employment law, Title IX, and intercollegiate athletics/NCAA compliance.

A successful candidate must be able to work with minimal supervision as a positive and contributing member of a dynamic, collaborative team. They must be an excellent communicator and be willing to develop new areas of sub-specialty as needs arise. They will also have demonstrated excellent judgment, collegiality, and multi-tasking skills.

The Office of General Counsel encourages a healthy work-life balance and provides a welcoming collegial office. We are looking for someone who shares those values to join our team.

Benefit Highlights:

Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Retirement and supplemental retirement
Tuition waiver benefits
Paid vacation (24 days a year) and sick time (12 days a year)
Paid holiday/administrative closures (https://vpfp.illinoisstate.edu/calendar/#2024)
For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

$130,000 - $150,000 combined with an excellent benefits package

1. Law degree from an American Bar Association Accredited Law School
2. Licensed and in good standing to practice law in State of Illinois, or eligible for admission to practice within six months of employment.
3. Five or more years of civil defense litigation experience defending businesses including direct trial experience and direct client interaction.
4. Excellent legal research and writing skills.
5. Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills to effectively interact with University leadership, stakeholders, and other administrative units
6. Excellent interpersonal and advising skills demonstrating empathy, courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach, that reflect a commitment to effective client service.
7. Ability to work independently while effectively keeping supervisor, colleagues and clients informed.
8. Excellent problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to address difficult and complex issues.
9. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
10. Ability to prioritize and work on multiple, concurrent, and complex projects, issues and court and/or administrative matters.
11. Ability to address groups, including senior level administrators, with confidence.
12. Appreciation of unique and often complex decision-making dynamics associated with working for a university in a high-volume in-house counsel office.
13. Ability to use common computer applications and case management software.
14. Ability to represent the University professionally and tactfully.

1. Experience working in a University setting or corporate in-house environment.
2. Employment law experience.
3. Experience working directly with HR, risk management, and employees of clients.

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis

ASAP

Resume, cover letter, and reference list

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Application review will begin on January 16, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

Lisa Mason
[email protected]

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383 . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311 .