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About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
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Department Summary
The Office of General Counsel represents the University of North Texas System in all legal matters. We are committed to exceptional representation and working collaboratively to render advice in an atmosphere of trust and respect. Through our legal services we assist our clients in fulfilling their mission and achieving their goals.
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Position Overview
The University of North Texas System Office of General Counsel has an immediate opening for an Assistant General Counsel to join a dedicated team of attorneys and professional staff. The UNT System includes the System Administration, the University of North Texas, the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, and the University of North Texas at Dallas. The UNT System Office of General Counsel includes ten attorneys and seven professional staff located in offices on the institutional campuses and at the UNT System building in downtown Dallas. The Assistant General Counsel will provide legal advice and services to UNT System and its component institutions as a member of the System Office of General Counsel.
The primary office location for this position is located on the UNT campus in Denton, Texas. This position also requires as-needed travel to UNT System locations and may include limited hybrid work opportunities as well.
This position will manage the public information process. It is estimated that 30%-35% of the workload will be supporting the public information office and providing legal services in connection with the release of public information and responses to records requests. In addition, this position is a generalist position that handles matters in the areas of academic affairs, student affairs, administrative law, general risk management and insurance, policy review and legislation analysis, litigation support, ethics and conflicts of interest, HR/employment law, FLSA, FMLA, EEOC, information management, regulatory and compliance matters such as the Clery Act, FERPA, Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, and general higher education issues.
As an office that is fully committed to exceptional representation, the UNT System Office of General Counsel works collaboratively to deliver advice to our higher education clients in an atmosphere of trust and respect. The successful candidate is expected to have an appreciation for the mission of higher education, a commitment to excellence and proactive lawyering, an enthusiasm for client outreach, and a passion for professional development and growth.
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Minimum Qualifications
Two years of active legal practice and graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
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Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- In addition to excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to research complex legal issues and prepare legal opinions and documents, the successful candidate should possess:
- The ability to work collegially and to advise managerial-level clients in an ethical, professional, and respectful manner.
- The ability to identify and frame complex legal issues and to convey advice clearly and effectively to non-lawyers.
- The ability and willingness to engage in creative thinking and problem solving.
- The ability to communicate effectively with the General Counsel, senior attorneys and other members of the office, and external attorneys and governmental agencies about matters of significance affecting the UNT System and its component institutions.
- The ability to establish cooperative working relationships with members of the Office of General Counsel and with the varied constituents within the UNT System and its component institutions.
- Excellent time management and prioritization skills.
- The ability to work independently while handling multiple general assignments, and the desire and ability to handle complex assignments with moderate supervision.
- Self-motivation, a strong sense of intellectual curiosity, and a desire to learn new areas of the law.
- Discretion and the ability to gain trust and maintain confidences.
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Preferred Qualifications
At least four years of relevant experience practicing law in a higher education setting, with higher education clients, or in a government position such as an office of the Attorney General. Active license to practice law and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
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Required License/Registration/Certifications
J.D. from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Licensed and admitted to practice law in Texas (or eligible to be licensed in Texas within one year from the date of employment), and in good standing (or qualified to be in good standing) with the State Bar of Texas.
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Job Duties
- Manage the public information process.
- Draft and file briefs requesting public records rulings.
- Provide legal advice and recommend courses of action to resolve legal, procedural, or administrative issues in compliance with all applicable legal standards.
- Conduct legal research and provide analysis, written and oral advice, and training directed at client outreach and engagement and as needed to keep the institutions current on laws and regulations impacting assigned areas.
- Review policies, rules, regulations and internal investigations for legal sufficiency.
- Provide direct client contact and support with administrators and staff within the UNT System and its component institutions.
- Support litigation deadlines with other attorneys and assist the Office of Attorney General with discovery requests.
- Provide UNT System managerial-level officials legal advice and recommend courses of action to resolve legal issues in a variety of areas including employment, equal opportunity, student affairs, general risk management and insurance, and regulatory and compliance matters such as the Clery Act, FERPA, Title IX, and general higher education issues.
- Draft responses to investigations by federal and state regulatory agencies.
- Attend student disciplinary hearings as the legal representative of the campus.
- Research and author written legal educational material directed at client outreach and engagement.
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Physical Requirements
- Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
- Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
- Communicating with others to exchange information.
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Environmental Hazards
- No adverse environmental conditions expected
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Work Schedule
Monday through Friday
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Driving University Vehicle
No
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Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
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Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
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Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
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EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.
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