University of Illinois System

University of Illinois System

Office of University Counsel

Assistant/Associate University Counsel

Office Location: Urbana

There is an in-person, on-site work expectation for this position with a hybrid remote-work arrangement opportunity. 

The University of Illinois System seeks highly skilled and experienced attorneys to join the Office of University Counsel as Assistant and/or Associate University Counsel. Assistant and Associate University Counsels are vital members of the in-house legal team at the University of Illinois, serving in the Counsel’s office at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Under the direction of the Campus Legal Counsel, the Assistant/Associate University Counsel will have 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. The successful candidate must be capable of working independently while remaining integrated within a dynamic team, be an excellent communicator and be willing to develop new areas of sub-specialty as needs may arise. The successful candidate will have demonstrated excellent judgment, collegiality and multi-tasking skills. Designation as an Assistant or Associate University Counsel is dependent on experience and qualifications.

Subject-matter responsibilities will be general in nature and may depend on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. Areas in which the successful candidate may practice include student affairs, Title IX, labor and employment, immigration, intellectual property, international activities and other matters as assigned.

The Associate/Assistant University Counsel is expected to:

1. 1. Provide legal advice on a wide variety of issues that arise at a large public research university under the general supervision of the Campus Legal Counsel;
2. 2. Act as attorney for the University on a diverse range of legal subject matters, including serving as a generalist working in multiple areas of law and policy and as a specialist by developing skills related to specific and unique areas of law;
3. 3. Serve as point of contact for various units on behalf of the Office of University Counsel and represent the Office in a manner that promotes professionalism, collegiality, collaboration, confidence and mutual respect;
4. 4. Recognize issues that may require use of outside legal expertise and work with Campus Legal Counsel and other personnel to retain and supervise legal services vendors in a manner that maximizes efficiency, effectiveness and fiscal prudence;
5. 5. Anticipate potential legal issues and exercise reliable and well-reasoned judgment to provide advice and counsel in a manner that fosters sound decision-making;
6. 6. Keep colleagues and leadership, including Campus Legal Counsel, Deputy University Counsel and University Counsel, apprised of matters that may be a significant risk to the university or of significant interest to the Board of Trustees and/or senior administrators;
7. 7. Perform other professional functions associated with the provision of legal advice and services as directed, including serving on or providing counsel to various University committees and task forces.
8. 5. Particular to Associate Counsel: Support enterprise leadership in fostering team building and mentoring of less senior attorneys and staff.
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Candidates must possess a law degree from an American Bar Association accredited Law School and be licensed and in good standing to practice law in State of Illinois, or eligible for admission to practice within six months of employment.

Other requirements include:

1. 1. Licensed attorney with demonstrable developing legal skills including preference for work in a university setting or other comparable in-house environment; Assistant Counsel: minimum three years of legal practice preferred; Associate Counsel: minimum five years of relevant legal practice.
2. 2. Demonstrated success in progressive responsibilities, including attention to innovative problem solving, initiative and reliability.
3. 3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with University, campus and other administrative units and personnel.
4. 4. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
5. 5. Ability to work independently while effectively keeping supervisors, colleagues and clients informed and engaged.
6. 6. Excellent problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to address difficult and complex issues
7. 7. Strong interpersonal skills demonstrating courtesy, diplomacy and a collaborative approach that reflect a commitment to effective client service.
8. 8. Particular to Associate Counsel:  Demonstrated understanding of unique and often complex decision-making dynamics associated with working in University system and highly functioning in-house counsel office.
9. 9. Preferred: Legal experience in higher education issues at a large research university, including but not limited to student affairs, immigration, Title IX, study abroad and international programs, FERPA, student financial aid, and Clery Act.

The salary ranges for this position are: Assistant University Counsel $90,000 - $110,000, dependent on experience; Associate University Counsel $110,000 - $130,000, dependent on experience.

This is a full-time, 12-month Academic Professional position. For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by May 26, 2022 at https://uajobs.hr.uillinois.edu/.

The System Office conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899 .

 System Human Resource Services

(217) 333-2600

The System Office is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity and diversity. The System Offices welcome applications from women, underrepresented minorities, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans, sexual minority groups and other candidates who will lead and contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives.

Close Date: May 26, 2022.