UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the General Counsel or designee, the Associate University Counsel (USP 3) or Senior Associate University Counsel (USP 4) provides or assists in providing a full range of legal services to the University. Performs standard and complex legal work independently. May serve as the General counsel’s and/or Deputy General Counsel’s designee. May participate in the supervision and/or collaboration of the performance of complex legal work by other legal staff. Activities include research, investigation, analysis, advice, negotiation, drafting, and dispute resolution. Participates and/or assists in the conduct of litigation as assigned.

This position will be hired at either the University Staff Professional (USP) 3 classification as Associate University Counsel or the University Staff Professional (USP) 4 classification as Senior Associate University Counsel dependent upon the incumbent’s experience, skills, and abilities as determined by the University. The USP 3 classification is intended for mid-level staff lawyers, whereas the USP 4 classification is used for senior staff lawyers. Although both classifications will perform the duties and responsibilities listed below, the USP 3 will work under more direct supervision from senior lawyers and may require guidance or approval for key decisions. In contrast, the USP 4 will have greater leadership and decision-making responsibilities, often handling more complex and challenging cases. 

This position functions as a staff lawyer or senior staff lawyer in the Office of the General Counsel, with the staff lawyer reporting to the Deputy General Counsel. The position may be designated to support one or more specific organizational units or functions within the University or to concentrate on particular areas of law. While the Associate University Counsel will receive guidance from senior attorneys when working on complex or novel legal matters, the Associate University Counsel must be able to act independently when working on standard legal matters. The Senior Associate University Counsel acts on behalf of the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel in their area of specialty or designated organizational units.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works independently and/or with minimal required oversight.
• Responds to legal issues as assigned and assist in the development of legal strategies and solutions.
• Drafts and reviews policies, procedures, regulations, bylaws, and other legal documents.
• Educates and trains the University community about legal issues.
• Conducts and/or assists in the conduct of research and analysis of legal issues.
• Prepares and reviews contracts and other legal or transaction documents.
• Represents, or assists in representing, the University and its officials in administrative hearings and litigation.
• Negotiates settlements and agreements involving legal issues, disputes, or transactions on behalf of the University.
• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of the latest developments in higher education law and in other areas of responsibility.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
2. USP 3: Four (4) years of recent legal experience.
3. USP 3: Three (3) years of recent legal experience working within an institution of higher education.
4. USP 4: Ten (10) years of recent legal experience.
5. USP 4: Seven (7) years of recent legal experience working within an institution of higher education.
6. Admission to the Connecticut State Bar or admission to the bar of another state and eligibility for admission within one year of hire.
7. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with particular attention to detail.
8. Ability to interact with colleagues, superiors, internal clients, and external affiliates positively and constructively even in the face of competing deadlines or significant workload.
9. Demonstrated ability to independently manage a significant caseload of diverse matters.
10. Experience drafting legal documents and conducting legal research.
11. Experience with dispute resolution.
12. Knowledge of current and developing legal issues and trends in the area of expertise.
13. Ability to meet the demands of the job, which may periodically require work on weekends and evenings.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. USP 3: Five (5) or more years of experience working within an institution of higher education.
2. USP 4: Ten (10) or more years of experience working within an institution of higher education.
3. Current admission to the CT State Bar.
4. Experience working within a public institution of higher education.
5. Experience handling matters involving alleged discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act (or other state equivalent).
6. Experience handling matters before state administrative agencies, such as the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the Freedom of Information Commission.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498796 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on January 8, 2025. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.