Description

Position Summary:

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Associate General Counsel is a professional member of the Office of General Counsel (OGC). OGC provides legal research, analysis, and legal services to the CSCU System Office and the constituent colleges and universities within the CSCU system. All attorneys of the CSCU Office of General Counsel are expected to work collaboratively within the CSCU system to mitigate legal risks, facilitate efficient business practices, manage a wide variety of complicated issues in a fast-paced higher education environment, exercise independent judgment, and function effectively with internal and external audiences.

Reporting to the CSCU General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel will provide legal guidance on a variety of topics with an emphasis on litigation management and working with the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General (OAG). This role offers a challenging and rewarding environment for an experienced attorney who is passionate about the intersection of law and higher education. This position is based at the CSCU System Office and reports to the CSCU General Counsel.

Minimum Qualifications:
Juris Doctor (JD) from an American Bar Association (ABA) -accredited law school or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) required. Incumbents are required to have demonstrated advanced knowledge and abilities in the following: 

• License to practice law in the state of Connecticut and be a member of the Connecticut Bar at the time of appointment, or within one (1) year from date of hire if also a member in good standing of the bar of any other state and eligible to register in the State of Connecticut as “in-house counsel.”
• Seven (7) years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Three (3) years of experience in litigation of matters before administrative agencies or state and federal courts.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a significant and varied workload including work on multiple unrelated matters concurrently. Ability to complete complex projects independently and with minimal direction.
• Ability to assess a situation accurately and identify legal issues, conduct thorough and detailed legal research and analysis, propose practical solutions, and render timely and practical legal advice. Approach work with a professional and pragmatic mindset.
• Ability to analyze risks presented in a wide variety of situations and advise internal clients and stakeholders on acceptable levels of risk and risk mitigation strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret institutional policies, plans, objectives, and relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations, and concisely communicate the interpretation to non-legal audiences.
• Work effectively with culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students, with ability to build strong working relationships.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skillsalong with stronginformation technology skills.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality.
• Must be able and willing to drive and travel throughout the State.

Candidates must possess proven ability to effectively work with culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students. They are expected to have excellent interpersonal oral and written communication skills along with strong Information technology literacy skills such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following practice areas: higher education law, non-profit or charitable foundations, public sector/board governance, labor/employment law, transactions.

Requirements

Example of Job Duties:

Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel is responsible for providing legal guidance on a variety of topics with an emphasis on litigation management through effective performance in these essential duties:

• Remain current with laws, rules, and regulations affecting higher education, with a specific focus on the legal implications of changes made to the policies of the Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR). Draft and review BOR policies and procedures, regulations, bylaws, and other documents within legal specialty areas.
• Anticipate, identify, and help resolve legal and strategic risk management issues.
• Negotiate settlements involving legal issues or transactions in conjunction with CSCU officials, the General Counsel, and OAG, as appropriate.
• Assist with the management of litigation involving CSCU and its institutions including responding to discovery requests, subpoenas, and Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) complaints. Support trial preparation work in conjunction with OAG and attend and assist with depositions and trials.
• Research and analyze laws and regulations and prepare legal documents including memoranda and correspondence. Prepare written and verbal legal opinions. Coordinate legal services to CSCU departments and divisions within areas of legal specialty. Provide well-rounded expert advice to CSCU administrators to develop legal strategies and solutions.
• Develop training materials and other resources regarding legal issues and new developments in relevant practice areas to educate CSCU administrators, faculty, and staff. Maintain relevant legal expertise to serve as an OGC and CSCU systemwide resource.
• Represent CSCU before agencies, boards, committees, commissions, and courts in administrative hearings and litigation, and/or oversee such representation. Represent OGC at meetings and on committees, task forces, and work groups.
• Draft and negotiate a variety of higher education contracts. Develop form and template agreements in coordination with OAG.
• Represent CSCU in interactions with external stakeholders, including government agencies, industry partners, and legal organizations.
• Support and provide legal counsel to the CSCU Compliance Officer and other administrators in responding to audits by the State Auditors of Public Accounts.
• Assist the General Counsel by providing client-focused and mission-oriented legal services to CSCU departments, institutions, officials, and employees, and perform other related duties as directed by the General Counsel.
  The  examples of duties illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.