Associate/Deputy General Counsel

Under the guidance of the Senior Vice President and General Counsel, the Deputy/Associate General Counsel assumes a pivotal role, overseeing and directing the Office of General Counsel's legal endeavors as they relate to labor and employment, general litigation and administrative proceedings. Depending on prior work experience, the selected candidate will either be positioned as Deputy or Associate General Counsel. This position involves championing the University's legal interests, guidance and representation to the University, and ensuring that the University remains compliant with laws and regulations. The position will play a principal role in representing the University on a broad range of legal issues, and plays a lead role in providing and/or overseeing the provision of legal advice and consultation to academic and administrative leaders on legal matters.
The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a higher education setting in all aspects of litigation and pre-litigation matters: overseeing outside counsel, developing case strategy, drafting mediation statements, working with outside counsel guidelines, creating recommendations on settlement and negotiating settlement agreements. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a higher education setting giving advice to a university labor relations department and to internal investigators. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a higher education setting working on matters related to reasonable accommodations, hiring and termination practices, academic freedom, Title IX and protected family and medical leave. Our ideal candidate has a specific set of experiences, but we recognize that no single candidate may have experience in all these areas. We recognize the potential of diverse legal experiences and encourage candidates who may not fulfill every criterion to apply.
The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and litigate arbitrations of contractual and disciplinary grievances arising under faculty and staff collective bargaining agreements and advises on issues arising during collective bargaining; working closely with the Labor Relations Department to provide guidance in collective bargaining.
• Conduct research, render advice, and represent the University in employment-related administrative proceedings before such agencies as the EEOC.
• Be responsible for litigation and pre-litigation matters including:
  
  • Support internal investigations and audits,
  • Review and answer/direct subpoenas and attorney demand letters, and
  • Participate in, oversee and provide guidance on mediation, arbitration, grievances and disciplinary actions, and collective bargaining;
• Advise academic and administrative leaders, directors, managers, supervisors, and employees about their role in litigation, responses to legal issues and litigation, and preparing for testimony in court and in administrative hearings.
• Represent the University in moderate-sized civil litigation and administrative hearings.
• Offer strategic guidance in the selection of outside counsel, and provides supervision and direction to outside counsel engaged to represent the University in litigation matters.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, legal research and writing abilities, and meticulous attention to detail in researching and drafting legal memoranda and opinions.
• Respond to inquiries on regulatory matters and advise on and support compliance activities.
• Demonstrate collegial approach to problem-solving, and willingness to engage in clear dialogue about legal and non-legal issues.
• Display exceptional diplomacy skills, superb listening and influencing abilities, consummate team player, and solutions-oriented approach to challenging issues.
• Provide direction on strategies to mitigate risk and conserve resources.
• Review and draft policies and guidelines, and provide recommendations regarding various regulatory and compliance matters.
• Oversee training and seminars for academic and administrative units on a variety of legal issues.
• Support all University related legal efforts as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school with commendable academic records.
• A minimum of 5-10 years of significant experience in a reputable law firm, university setting, or legal.
• Must be currently licensed to practice law in the state of New York or willing to obtain a license. Must have experience with a specific focus in Labor and Employment and knowledgeable experience with litigation and proceedings before judicial and administrative bodies. The depth of experience will determine placement as either Deputy or Associate General Counsel.
• Sophisticated understanding and experience in employment discrimination law, employee relations, human resource management, and related issues.
• Strong experience with complex civil litigation; demonstrated ability to represent clients in contested cases.
• Demonstrated leadership in legal advisory roles and a knack for meticulous research and drafting.
• Exceptional judgment, unwavering ethical standards, and the ability to navigate a wide range of legal challenges.
• A zealous commitment to higher education and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies that universities encounter in the legal realm.
• Robust communication skills, fostering trust and credibility among senior management and other stakeholders.

WORK MODE
Hybrid/Remote - Employees hired for this position primarily work remotely with the occasional on-campus presence required with advanced notice. Employees in this role will also be expected to use their best judgment to be on campus when necessary in order to best fulfill the responsibilities of their job descriptions.
SALARY RANGE
$180,000 to $245,000
We look forward to receiving your application!