Assoc./Sr. Assoc General Counsel

The Office of the General Counsel of the University of Minnesota is seeking a skilled, client-focused, and experienced lawyer to represent Regents of the University of Minnesota in civil litigation matters in state and federal courts, and in other internal and external forums, and to advise on matters relating to student affairs and Title IX.

This is a hybrid, 100% time, 12 month, P&A position with required on-site work on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and remote work on the other days of the week. OGC employees working remotely are expected to work in the Minneapolis - Saint Paul metropolitan area so they will be able to come into the office if needed. Based on qualifications and experience, applicants will be hired into one of the two job codes, 9733GC or 9732GC.

The University of Minnesota is a research-intensive, five-campus institution of higher education. The University enrolls over 59,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students each year. It spends more than $1 billion each year on research, placing it eleventh among public universities in the country.

The function of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is to meet the varied and highly specialized legal needs of the University of Minnesota, one of the largest, most complex research universities in the country. OGC attorneys provide legal services in many fields: litigation, employment and labor relations; health care law; sponsored research agreements; regulatory compliance; intellectual property; public finance and governance; purchasing and sales of goods and services; real estate transactions; ethics and conflicts of interest; and other law specialties.

The General Counsel is responsible for oversight and management of these legal services as well as the Office of Athletic Compliance, the Data Access and Privacy Office and the Clery Compliance Coordinator. The General Counsel reports directly to the Board of Regents and the University President.

This position will focus on two key areas:

Litigation

This position will represent Regents of the University of Minnesota in civil litigation matters in state and federal courts, and in other internal and external forums, as well as in managing and conducting internal investigations. The successful candidate will advocate for the University in connection with claims that may arise on any of the University's campuses or in any University department, statewide. Responsibilities may include all aspects of civil litigation practice, such as investigating the underlying facts, drafting pleadings, completing discovery, drafting and responding to motions, handling or assisting in a hearing or trial and any subsequent appeal. Matters will involve a wide variety of substantive legal issues, including employment matters, tort claims, contract-based disputes, real estate and construction issues, federal and state civil rights claims, regulatory matters and any other claim involving the University.

Advising: Student Affairs, Title IX, and Related Legal Matters

This position will also provide counsel on matters related to student affairs, including Title IX compliance, student conduct and discipline, academic integrity, disability accommodations, and related higher education regulatory issues. Responsibilities will also include advice and representation in other areas as assigned by the General Counsel.

Essential Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in Minnesota (or eligibility for prompt admission) AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING BASED ON JOB CODE:
  • Assoc General Counsel: Minimum of 4 years of legal experience, including significant experience in litigation and advising clients in a complex institutional or governmental setting.
  • Sr Assoc General Counsel: Minimum of 8 years of legal experience, including significant experience in litigation and advising clients in a complex institutional or governmental setting.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex legal matters independently and provide strategic legal advice in a clear, concise, and practical manner.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in or with institutions of higher education.
• Strong knowledge of applicable laws and regulations relevant to student affairs, including Title IX, Title VI, FERPA, and the ADA.
• Familiarity with administrative hearings, internal university grievance or conduct processes, and civil rights investigations.

Pay Range: $150,000 - $180,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

For questions about this position, please reach out to Karen Wagner via email: klwagner@umn.edu

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).