Description:
Position Overview:Job Summary:
This position serves as a full-time attorney representing the University. The Associate General Counsel is expected to advise, assist, and act on behalf of the General Counsel in providing the full range of legal services to the Board of Trustees, the President, the administration, faculty, and staff of the University of West Florida. As assigned by the General Counsel, the position will be expected to represent the University and its representatives in court, before administrative agencies, and in negotiations and other matters where University interests are at issue; coordinate and supervise University litigation matters with outside counsel and in consultation with the General Counsel; and provide training to internal groups. The position requires practicing in a variety of areas of the law and maintenance of high ethical standards.
The position utilizes the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- negotiate and draft contracts;
- knowledge of the government procurement process;
- thorough and persuasive legal research and writing;
- work independently and as a team member;
- communicate effectively orally and in writing with a variety of persons including other lawyers, University administration, and staff;
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, University employees, and outside attorneys;
- analyze complex scenarios and provide appropriate legal guidance;
- organize and prioritize work for timely completion;
- strategize and integrate short-term and long-term goals;
- diffuse and respond professionally to stressful situations and difficult people; and
- thrive in a small team environment that serves a large and diverse campus community at a growing public regional university.
The individual will analyze complex legal problems and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to a broad range of issues; effectively complete complex legal research; and present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form tailored to audiences of different levels of legal familiarity. This position may focus on several areas of the law, including: contract and transactional law; real property; higher education law; employment and labor negotiations; student affairs; intellectual property law; and law specific to state entities.
Minimum Qualifications:
Law degree (L.L.B or J.D.) and two years experience as an attorney. Must be a member of the Florida Bar.
Position Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a J.D. (jurisprudence doctorate). Minimum of five years' experience as an attorney with two years in Florida; excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills; excellent client service skills; or a combination of education, training, and work experience equal to or greater than the requirements listed. Licensed to practice law in Florida and membership in good standing with the Florida Bar are required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in one or more of the following areas of legal practice: transactional law (contract, real property, and/or construction); labor and employment law; Title IX; tort/litigation; and NCAA compliance. Also helpful: experience in higher education, state government, or local government in Florida; knowledge of Florida Sunshine law.
Essential Functions/Job Duties:
- 80% - Assists in counseling and advising in the areas of the law as assigned; providing general legal guidance to University departments concerning the legal implications of proposed policies and actions; counseling the campus community regarding compliance with the law; conducting internal investigations as needed; coordinating responses to requests for records; preparing, developing, revising, and interpreting University regulations, policies, and procedures for the Board of Trustees, administration, and departments. Supports and fosters collaborative working relationships with all areas of the University community and the Florida State University System legal community. Performs other duties as assigned by the General Counsel. - (Essential)
- 10% - Remain current on developments in higher education law and other areas of specialty practice related to assigned area(s) of expertise within the Office of the General Counsel. - (Essential)
- 5% - Represent the University at legal proceedings and prepare necessary documents in connection with legal representation. - (Essential)
- 5% - Train University staff and faculty on pertinent legal issues and perform other tasks as assigned from time to time by the General Counsel - (Essential)
Physical Demands:
- Physical Requirements: Occasional and/or light lifting required. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., but none to the point of being disagreeable. May involve minor safety hazards where likely results would be cuts, bruises, etc.
- Impact of Deadlines: Externally imposed deadlines set or revised on short notice. Frequent shifts in priority. Numerous interruptions requiring immediate attention. Unusual pressure on a daily basis due to accountability for success of major projects.
- Standing: Daily
- Walking: Daily
- Sitting: Daily
- Reaching with hands and arms: Occasionally
- Climbing or balancing: Occasionally
- Stooping: Occasionally
- Use of hands to handle objects: Daily
- Lifting up to 10lbs: Daily
- Lifting up to 25lbs: Occasionally
- Lifting over 25lbs: Never
- Talking as express or exchange of ideas verbally: Daily
- Hearing as perceive sound by ear: Daily
- Vision as distinguish colors & depth: Daily
- Required to submit a financial disclosure to the Florida Commission on Ethics per FS 112.3144.
- This position requires a criminal background screening.
- This position requires fingerprinting.
- This position requires licensure, certification, or other qualifications described in the Special Instructions.