Description

Position Summary:

The Assistant General Counsel will provide legal support and guidance on a full range of higher education issues impacting the colleges and universities within the jurisdiction of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR). This position provides legal support on a variety of matters including, but not limited to, the following: discrimination complaints from both students and employees; interprets statutes, regulations and policies; addresses legal questions as they arise; provides training to assure legal compliance; and review and drafting of contracts and other agreements. The incumbent may also serve on task forces or working groups on behalf of OGC. 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). License to practice law in Connecticut or licensure within one (1) year from date of hire. Incumbents are required to have demonstrated advanced knowledge and abilities in the following: 

• Five (5) years of experience is required of which two (2) years must be related to public service, education, or employment.
• Considerable knowledge of the following: relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations; legal practices and procedures in federal courts and state venues; legislative processes at the state and federal levels; and management principles and techniques.
• Ability to analyze the risk presented in a wide variety of situations, and to advise internal clients on acceptable levels of risk and risk mitigation strategies.
• Consistent exercise of sound judgment, often under time pressure and without complete information; strong organizational skills; demonstrated ability to work independently; ability to learn quickly, to assess a situation accurately, and render timely, practical advice; and strong interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to drive and be willing to travel throughout the State, as necessary.

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.).

Requirements

Example of Job Duties:

Under the direction of the Associate General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel is responsible for providing legal support and guidance through effective performance in these essential duties:

• Conduct legal research and analysis on complex issues relevant to higher education and public sector institutions.
• Supply legal guidance and training for faculty and staff in the form of written memoranda and oral presentations.
• Provide legal advice to academic and administrative leaders from all CSCU institutions on a variety of substantive issues.
• Represent senior CSCU executives and managers in administrative hearings. Serve as a point of contact for litigation matters, including serving as Attorney General designee for Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO).
• Develop training materials and other resources, coordinate training for institutions on legal issues, including Freedom of Information, copyright, intellectual property, and information technology.
• Draft and participate in the legal review of contracts, leases, licenses, royalty agreements, and other documents through which CSCU transacts business.
• Draft complex contracts, memoranda of understanding, and affiliation and collaborative agreements.
• Monitor and assist with litigation matters, including discovery requests.
• Support and provide legal advice to CSCU institutions and System Office departments on a variety of issues including financial aid, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and grading.
• Keep abreast of issues and developments in legal specialty areas by reading journals, attending professional conferences, and conferring with colleagues nationwide.
• Support external affairs/legislative team with review and draft of proposed legislation.
• Draft and review BOR policies and procedures on a broad variety of institutional issues, provide legal research and analysis, and work with CSCU Office of Compliance to ensure appropriate form.
• Conduct investigations as required.
• Review and respond to Freedom of Information requests.
• 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.

This posting includes qualifications, experience and skills but is not limited to the full specifications stated in the job description.