Litigation Counsel

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: 17 days ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 09 Apr 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department University Counsel-200400
Career Area Academic Administration
Posting Open Date 03/26/2024
Application Deadline 04/09/2024
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Litigation Counsel
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20019257
Vacancy ID NF0007991
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Salary commensurate with qualifications
Proposed Start Date 05/01/2024

Position Information


Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Office of University Counsel represents the University, which entails providing legal advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, the administration, faculty, and staff on legal matters involving or affecting the institution. We advise the University administration on a broad range of initiatives, issues, and policy matters, and serve as a liaison between the University and its related and affiliated entities on legal and policy issues. We also assist with program implementation and provide legal and policy training for internal University audiences and educational programs for legal audiences and general audiences outside the institution on matters affecting the University and higher education in general. We engage in crisis and opportunity management and preventative counseling, including the identification of high-risk activities and enterprises conducted by the University and the articulation of methodologies or strategies for coping with the risks. We advocate for the University in state and federal courts, administrative proceedings, and regulatory settings. Our Office is responsible for selecting and supervising any outside counsel engaged by the institution.
Position Summary
Litigation Counsel represents UNC-Chapel Hill in state and federal courts, administrative forums, and internal advocacy proceedings. This attorney also partners with colleagues in the Office of University Counsel to address legal requests for information, including regulatory investigations, subpoenas, and discovery. The litigation counsel will work with attorneys from the North Carolina Department of Justice as either lead counsel, co-counsel, or support counsel in various matters and will interact with attorneys from the UNC System Office and other UNC constituent institutions as part of a system-wide community of practice. This position requires significant court-facing experience, including experience handling complex litigation matters, strong written and oral advocacy skills, and appearances before state and federal courts and administrative bodies. Experience with commercial, employment, discrimination, and/or other complex litigation, including e-discovery processes, is strongly preferred.
Litigation Counsel is integrated into the Office of University Counsel’s advocacy team and the attorney should possess strong communication skills and the ability to work flexibly as a member of teams consisting of internal and external counsel and support staff.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
A law degree from an accredited school.
Admission to the North Carolina Bar or ability to be admitted within one year of hiring.
A minimum of four years of post-license experience as a practicing attorney, where all or substantially all time is devoted to employment, trial, and/or appellate litigation.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Demonstrated ability to provide legal advice, representation. and advocacy with general supervision and guidance from more experienced lawyers. Ability to deliver legal advice and arguments in an understandable manner and in such formats as may be desired by the organization, including through written correspondence, memoranda, briefs, and presentations. Knowledge of applicable law and procedure, and demonstrated ability to research, develop, and advocate legal arguments. Ability to conduct civil litigation in trial and appellate courts; build and marshal evidence at trial and in administrative proceedings; interpret and apply laws, constitutional provisions, statutes, regulations, and court decisions; analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments; creatively develop case strategy and tactics and express conclusions and arguments clearly, logically, and convincingly in oral and written form. Ability to determine issues in various cases and analyze complex legal problems and render formal opinions. Effective team member; aptitude for building positive working relationships at all levels. Creativity, strategic common sense, good judgment, level-headedness.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/277262

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title Laura Thornton, Director of Legal Operations & Strategy
Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected]
Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

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