The University of Southern California’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is seeking a full-time University Counsel to serve as a critical member of the OGC Student Affairs and Litigation team. Comprised of 18 attorneys, including the General Counsel, each with different areas of expertise, the Office provides strategic legal advice to USC, its subsidiaries, and certain affiliates. The mission of the Office of the General Counsel is to assist USC, through its various schools and departments, with legal issues and transactions, to educate administrators and faculty with regard to the laws applicable to the university’s operations, to advise on pre-litigation risks and defend the university against litigation, and to provide legal advice to the administration and faculty on how best to achieve the university’s mission, objectives, and goals. The Office of the General Counsel is responsible for addressing all the legal issues arising out of the activities of USC, its various schools and departments, and the Keck School of Medicine. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students, and staff that make the university what it is.
In this role, you will:
Serve as the university’s lead student and academic affairs attorney. Provide strategic legal advice and counsel to clients across the university on a broad range of student and academic issues, including conduct proceedings, Title IX, sexual assault, student disability accommodations, student wellness, free speech and campus protests, accreditation and state authorization, admissions, financial aid, privacy, academic integrity, residential life, housing, campus safety, athletics, Greek life, student visa issues, campus activities, and student health. Coordinate with outside counsel on complex advice and pre-litigation matters. Provide thought leadership on complex and novel issues relating to students and academic affairs. Assist clients in finding creative solutions to difficult problems. Provide training on various topics. Establish a rapport and working relationship with employees at all levels of the university in order to act as a trusted advisor and encourage the proactive use of in-house legal counsel as a preventative measure. Manage complex internal issues with integrity, diplomacy, and discretion. Serve as legal advisor to various university committees, including Title IX, student conduct, health leaves, threat assessment, and student concerns. Manage student litigation and outside investigations (such as OCR, BPPE, and DOJ), including selection and supervision of outside defense counsel. Draft, review, and negotiate settlement agreements and other litigation-related agreements. Participate in OGC Litigation Department meetings. Collaborate with clients and Risk Management on strategies to reduce potential claims. Contribute to the development and revision of university policies, including the student handbook, University Catalogue, Title IX policy, youth protection policy, mandated reporters policy, and others. Advice on new and proposed legislation impacting student and academic affairs. Perform special projects as assigned by the Deputy General Counsel, Litigation and Employment and Associate General Counsel, Litigation.
The Successful Candidate Will Possess:
- J.D. and Member of the California Bar (or eligible to register with the State Bar as registered in-house counsel).
- 7+ years of experience practicing law, including representing institutions of higher education.
- 3+ years of experience serving as an in-house counsel in an institution of higher education.
- Deep knowledge of the laws applicable to California universities, including but not limited to Title IX, Title VI, ADA/504, Unruh Act, FERPA, California administrative mandamus law, California Education Code, mandated reporting laws, Clery Act.
- Familiarity with the organizational structures and vernacular used in higher education.
- The ability to manage a high volume of complex matters, including critical incident response, with limited supervision.
- Willingness to tackle difficult projects that require learning new substantive areas of law and policy.
- High level of emotional intelligence.Skill at navigating complex political situations diplomatically.Ability to build strong relationships of trust with key stakeholders across the university.
- Demonstrated strong written and oral communication, project management, and analytical skills.
- Integrity, dependability, trustworthiness, and discretion.
Minimum Education: J.D. Minimum Experience: 7 years Minimum Field of Expertise: J.D. and member of California Bar. General business law with extensive litigation experience.