Employment Detail


Position Announcement:
 
Corporation Counsel
Open Date: 6/22/2012 Close Date: 9/13/2012 at 4:00 PM
Job Title Corporation Counsel
Department
Job Category Exempt
Classification 40 hours per week, 12 months per year
Hiring Salary Will be determined upon experience and qualifications
Job Purpose
The Corporation Counsel is a key member of the President’s executive team and serves on the President’s Cabinet. The purpose of the Corporation Counsel is to: (1) provide legal services (advice and representation) to the President and officers of the corporation, in their official capacities, on a wide variety of legal matters involving the university; (2) provide legal services to the Board of Trustees as appropriate; and (3) represent the university’s interests in various legal proceedings, negotiations, and interactions.
Essential Functions
  • Provides legal assistance and advice on policy, contractual and other legal matters for the Board of Trustees, President, Vice-Presidents, and other university officers and administrators.
  • Supports and acts as a resource to the Human Resources Department as needed for maintaining university compliance with various employment law issues, such as harassment, discrimination, American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) legislation, Labor and Industries, etc. Provides advice on legality of the university’s human resource policies and procedures, including disciplinary and discharge issues.
  • Works closely with the Vice President for Finance concerning legal matters related to the business affairs of the university, including reviews of contracts with third parties, purchase and sale of property and services, trusts and deferred gifts, financing and insurance/risk management.
  • Analyzes laws, regulations, and proposed legislation for their impact on the university, which includes keeping the campus community informed about legal risks and their management; provides guidance on legal matters, including university governance, student affairs/records/privacy, policy formation, employment issues and grievances, health care, and intellectual property.
  • Advises and monitors outside legal counsel retained to represent the university in specific matters.
  • Conducts legal research. Interprets research and composes memorandums or opinions advising the university on various legal matters.
  • Reviews legal documents. Prepares court papers and contracts as necessary.
  • Attends meetings and hearings representing the university’s position.
  • As an executive member of the Cabinet, attends cabinet, trustee, and planned giving meetings and provides input on various university policies and procedures as necessary.
  • Scope of Authority and Impact:
  • Provides assistance with and influences decisions that entail a wide scope of impact on the university, including policy-setting, research, or planning activities have a significant impact on the operations, resources, and reputation of the university. The Corporation Counsel does not provide legal advice or assistance to anyone regarding personal matters that do not affect the university’s legal rights or position.
Supervision Given/Received
Reports to the President, but works with the Executive Vice President on routine and day-to-day matters. The Corporation Counsel is expected to operate independently, utilizing professional discretion and judgment. Provides supervision to the Assistant to the Corporation Counsel and legal intern.
Physical Demands
Position requires ability to lift up to 10 pounds, kneel, bend, sit, reach, and stoop as needed for routine office work. Ability to be mobile campus wide for appropriate business needs.
Required Qualifications
  • Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
  • Washington State Bar Association license in good standing, or eligible to obtain such admission promptly after hiring.
  • Ten years of legal experience, including both litigation and transactional experience.
  • Knowledge of employment law, contracts, and business law.
  • Strong analytical skills and demonstrated sound judgment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with the Board of Trustees, President, Vice Presidents, and other university officers and administrators in their official capacities; ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, with members of the Board, university communities, and outside entities; demonstrated ability to manage and supervise attorneys and litigation; strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills; possession of unquestioned integrity and a proven record of outstanding professional ethics.
  • Ability to prioritize and work on multiple, diverse legal matters simultaneously.
  • Awareness of and compatibility with the university’s mission statement.
  • Acts with appropriate recognition of the fiduciary relationship that exists between Corporation Counsel, the university, its officers and administrators acting in their official capacity.
Desired Qualifications
  • Successful work experience within higher education in a legal capacity, including litigation.
  • Knowledge of state and federal legislation pertaining to higher education.
Application Procedure
Applications will be received until the position is filled. A review of applications is expected to begin on August 15, 2012.