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

Job Summary

The Assistant or Associate University Counsel is a highly skilled and experienced attorney and a vital member of the in-house legal team at Illinois State University. Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Associate University Counsel has primary responsibility for the management of numerous and varied legal matters and will provide timely and effective advice and counsel to various University units and personnel. Subject matter responsibility includes representing the University before state and federal external agencies, appearing in state and federal court, managing university litigation (both cases handled in house and with outside counsel), third party discovery requests, subpoenas, and records requests, conducting risk management analysis of litigation, and providing legal advice related to the University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, NCAA compliance, Title IX compliance, faculty employment issues including related Appointment Salary Promotion and Tenure Policies (ASPT) and other policy matters with other matters as assigned. This employee must be capable of working with minimal supervision, of working very positively within a dynamic team, be an excellent communicator, and be willing to work on matters beyond primary focus as needs arise, including willingness to develop new areas of sub-specialty in a hands-on, high-volume in-house counsel office.

Additional Information

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/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

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

Required Qualifications

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 including direct trial experience and direct client interaction.
4. Excellent analytical skills and legal research and writing skills.
5. Excellent verbal, and written communication skills to effectively interact with University leadership, administrators, campus partners and stakeholders.
6. Excellent interpersonal and advising skills demonstrating empathy, courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach demonstrating 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 with the ability to prioritize and work on multiple time-sensitive, concurrent, complex matters.
10. Ability to address senior level administrators and other groups with confidence.
11. Appreciation of unique and often complex decision-making dynamics associated with working for a university.
12. Willingness to work on matters beyond primary focus as needs arise including willingness to develop new areas of sub-specialty in a hands-on, 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.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience practicing law in a University setting or other in-house environment or in regular representation of public or private institutional clients.
2. Employment law experience.
3. Education law experience.
4. Civil Rights litigation experience.
5. Civil defense litigation experience.
6. Title IX compliance experience.
7. Experience working directly with HR, risk management, and employees of clients.

Functional Expectations

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

Proposed Starting Date

ASAP

Required Applicant Documents

- Resume / C.V.
- Cover Letter
- 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"

Special Instructions for Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials by August 16, 2024. Review of applications will commence on this date and continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information for Applicants

Meghan Lugo
mmlugo1@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

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.