Research Counsel - Litigation

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Denver, COLORADO
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Research Counsel - Litigation  - 22644 
University Staff 

Description

 

Department Description:

University Counsel has a dual report to the Board of Regents and the President of the University and includes several legal functions that provide an array of services to the University of Colorado system. The Office of the University Counsel provides legal advice to the Board of Regents, the president, system administration and the campuses.

Position Description:

The individual in this position: (1) possesses advanced knowledge associated with the professional practice of law; (2) applies associated theories, methods, principles, and practices; (3) performs associated duties that are predominantly intellectual and varied in nature, requiring creative, analytical, evaluative, interpretive, and/or critical thinking; and (4) exercises discretion and independent judgment, requiring only general supervision for day-to-day tasks.

The research counsel functions under the direction and supervision of senior legal counsel who are designated as special assistant attorneys general. The Office of University Counsel prides itself on timely and excellent advice and assistance. The team works closely together, and the work is fast paced. The successful candidate must be able to recognize issues, propose possible resolution, follow-up, solve problems and work collaboratively in a team environment.

This security-sensitive position requires a criminal background check. This position reports to the Deputy University Counsel and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff system. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

  • Research and draft memos, pleadings, and briefs for administrative, state and federal court proceedings;
  • Areas of research include:
    • Employment law, including Title VI, Title VII, the ADA, and the FMLA;
    • Constitutional law, including due process and the Eleventh Amendment;
    • State law torts and breach of contract;
    • The Colorado Governmental Immunity Act;
    • Student issues;
    • Faculty issues; and
    • Laws of the Regents and University policies
  • Participate in developing case strategy;
  • Review and help prepare discovery;
  • Attend depositions, settlement conferences, hearings and trials in a support role;
  • Appellate research and drafting; and
  • Other legal services, as assigned.

Who we are: System Administration, which also houses the Office of the President, is located in the uptown neighborhood of Denver with a few smaller offices located on the campuses.  This position is located in Denver with the option work a hybrid model with Supervisor approval. Many of our departments support the educational and research missions of the four University of Colorado campuses, but System Administration is not considered a campus. We provide diverse opportunities for professional development, innovation, and collaboration with talented staff and faculty.  Learn more about CU System Administration .

The University of Colorado has been proactive in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can visit our COVID-19 webpage for more information.

What we offer:

Salary: The salary range has been established at $75,000-$80,000.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

(if applicable) The University of Colorado has been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and has issued furloughs for select employee groups. This position may be subject to furlough. You can visit our furlough FAQ for more information.

Benefits: The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

  • Medical: Multiple plan options
  • Dental: Multiple plan options
  • Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision and Wellness
  • Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
  • Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
    • Vacation Days: 22
    • Sick Days: 15
    • Holiday Days: 10
  • Tuition Benefit: System employees have the benefit on all campuses 
  • ECO Pass: RTD Bus and light rail service
  • Additional Perks & Programs: Click here to access a few more Perks and Programs

Click here to access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. This position is a University Staff position.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

More information on benefits programs, including eligibility, is available at www.cu.edu/employee-services/ .

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA's)

To be successful in this position, candidates will need the following:

  • Knowledge of legal practices and procedures.
  • Knowledge and ability to adhere to the highest level of confidentiality at all times.
  • Ability to work independently and under pressure, to manage multiple concurrent tasks and responsibilities, and to deal with changing priorities.
  • Ability to interpret and apply complex rules and regulations.
  • Ability to utilize Microsoft Office Suite products.
  • Ability to utilize Westlaw, WestNext, Lexis Nexis or other comparable legal research platform.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and initiatives.
  • Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Requirements: 

Please ensure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against these qualifications.  You must meet all minimum requirements listed at the time of application to be considered for this role.

  • Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school
  • One (1) year of experience providing legal services, representation, and/or advice to clients
  • Licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado; or for those licensed to practice out of state, ability to obtain licensure within one year.
  • Ability to provide a record of good standing and ethical behavior.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Two (2) years’ experience providing legal services, representation, and/or advice to clients
  • Judicial clerkship.
 
  
Special Instructions to Applicants: For full consideration completed applications must be submitted by 9/14/2021. Reference checking is a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including email addresses, for up to five references as part of the search process for this position. *Please note: All application materials must be submitted through CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered.* The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment. We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: [email protected].    Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV Application Materials Instructions: You must attach a cover letter, resume, and references to your application as three separate documents. Please identify the job specific minimum qualifications you possess in your cover letter and be sure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting. Also, ensure you check the “Job Specific Attachments” box next to each document on the “Required Documents” page of the application for the appropriate documents to be attached.   
Job Category
: Audit and Legal 
Primary Location
: Denver 
Department: S0001 -- System Administration - 50057 - University Counsel 
Schedule
: Full-time 
Posting Date
: Aug 31, 2021 
Unposting Date
: Ongoing 
Posting Contact Name: systemHr 
Posting Contact Email: [email protected] 
Position Number: 00680746

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