Associate University Counsel (Labor and Employment)

Associate University Counsel 

Law degree (L.L.B or J.D.) and two years' experience as an attorney. Must be a member of the Florida Bar or become a member within twelve months of employment.

Provide legal advice and counseling to university clients regarding the full spectrum of labor and employment issues and other assigned matters, including:

-Provide legal counsel on labor and employment related matters, including wage and hour, ADA, FMLA, discrimination/retaliation/harassment laws, labor/union relations, discipline, terminations, evaluations, investigations, benefits, employment agreements, immigration and other labor and employment laws, rules and regulations.

-Provide legal counsel on labor and employment matters specifically related to higher education, including state and federal laws applicable to universities and entities receiving federal and state funding, university regulations, policies and other governing authorities, Board of Governors regulations, applicable collective bargaining agreements and federal and state agency opinion letters and guidance.

-Participate as a member and provide legal advice to the university’s bargaining teams, including collective bargaining, grievances, union related records requests, consultations and other labor matters.

-Advise clients during personnel related decision-making processes.

-Advise on and assist with the development and modification of personnel related templates, regulations, policies, standard operating procedures, protocols, best practices, training, guidance and communications.

-Identify and assess legal risks, opportunities and relevant changes or emerging trends within the labor and employment area and advise accordingly.

-Work closely with personnel related clients, including administrators and staff in Human Resources, Provost’s Office, colleges, IFAS, Health Centers, Business Affairs, University Police Department and university direct support organizations and other affiliates.

-Provide training to clients and stakeholders on legal compliance, policies and procedures.

Manage all aspects of assigned labor and employment litigation case load and other assigned litigation, agency actions, and grievances including:

-Oversee and manage all litigation activities on assigned matters through the trial and appellate stages, including research, pleadings, motions, discovery, depositions, conferences, trials, mediations, arbitrations, unfair labor practice proceedings, appeals, impasses, etc.  Litigation matters include federal and state civil rights, Title IX, disability and public accommodation, breach of contract, administrative/agency actions and investigations, petitions for writ of certiorari and mandamus, wage garnishments, collections, privacy, defamation and other torts, and First Amendment and other constitutional violations.

-Take a lead role in setting, recommending, and executing strategies that will ensure the university’s interests are represented in the best, most cost‐effective manner.

-Manage relationships with and activities of outside law firms retained to represent the university and ensure alignment on case strategy, budget, and staffing.

-Draft responses to charges of discrimination filed with state and federal agencies.

-Represent the university in arbitration proceedings, including preparing and examining witnesses and drafting briefs.

-Engage with opposing counsel to resolve pre-litigation matters, when appropriate.

-Participate in and respond to government or regulatory investigations and audits.

-Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to assist the Office’s handling of litigation matters.

Advise and represent the university in other legal matters as requested or assigned.

Commensurate with education and experience. 

Experience handling litigation matters common to public higher education, including civil rights, Title IX, collective bargaining, public records, state and federal laws applicable to higher education and state and federal funded institutions, tenure and promotion, academic freedom and responsibility, outside activities and conflicts of interests, arbitrations, petitions for writ of certiorari and mandamus, garnishments, privacy, and First Amendment and other constitutional violations.

Good project manager who is able to bring various constituencies and stakeholders together to complete projects timely and efficiently. Exceptional organizational skills.

Team player who is comfortable with a dynamic and changing environment that emphasizes collaboration and team performance over management hierarchy.

Ability to manage numerous projects and cases simultaneously under tight deadlines while maintaining a good sense of humor and positive attitude.

Skilled oral and written communicator.

Creative thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to stay calm under challenging circumstances.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.