Associate Attorney

Classification

Regular

Minimum Pay

$80,445.00

Compensation will be commensurate with the level of the position, education, and experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Associate Attorney serves to support the College by providing legal support across a wide range of matters impacting the institution. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Compliance and General Counsel, the Associate Attorney will work independently and collaboratively to advise College departments on a broad range of legal and policy matters relevant to public postsecondary education, including, but not limited to, public administration, labor and employment law, human resources and benefits, information technology, construction, student affairs, contracts, compliance, and governance.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

• Provides legal advice and support to College administrators, departments, and units on a variety of issues, including, but not limited to:
  • Employment and labor relations/negotiations
  • Student rights and conduct
  • Student and employee due process compliance
  • Title IX and civil rights compliance
  • FLSA, FMLA, ADA and disability accommodations
  • Contract drafting and review
  • FERPA, Clery Act, and other federal and state regulatory matters
  • Public records, ethics, and open meeting laws
• Assists the AVP and General Counsel with contract review, drafting, and negotiation, including, but not limited to, MOUs, leases, collective bargaining agreements, construction contracts, and procurement documents.
• Assists in responding to complaints, union grievances, administrative proceedings, subpoenas, and litigation support.
• Conducts legal research and prepares legal opinions or memoranda on relevant matters.
• Participates in policy development and reviews institutional policies for legal sufficiency and compliance.
• Provides training to faculty and staff on legal compliance, ethics, employment practices, and risk mitigation as needed.
• Assists with compliance oversight and risk management strategies across departments. Ensures that the management negotiating teams have clear authority, relevant information, and appropriate skills and training.
• Collaborates with Human Resources, Student Services, Academic Affairs, and other departments on institutional initiatives as needed.
• Assists the Associate Vice President for Compliance and General Counsel in managing legal matters, special projects, and relationships with external counsel.
• Oversees and assists outside counsel with litigation.
• Supports the Board of Governors and attends meetings as needed.
• Monitors and analyzes legal trends and developments affecting higher education,
• Other responsibilities as they arise.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proficient computer skills with the ability to learn new software.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and other college supported systems.
• Excellent communication skills including active listening.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well with minimal supervision in a team-orientated environment.
• Ability to demonstrate cooperation and professionalism while maintaining patience and understanding in stressful situations.
• Ability to effectively work and interact with various cultures and ethnicities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Nebraska or eligibility for admission within a defined period (6 months)
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience practicing law, preferably including work in or with public agencies, education institutions, or nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following legal areas: employment law, education law, public sector law, or regulatory compliance.
• Strong research, writing, communicating, and analytical skills

Preferred:

• Experience working within or representing a college, university, school district, or government agency.
• Familiarity with community college governance structures and applicable state education codes.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining and unionized environments.
• Experience with FERPA, Title IX, Clery Act, and ADA.

LOCATION: Primarily based on-site at our Fort college campus, with occasional travel required for legal proceedings, meetings, trainings, or institutional business.

HOURS: May require extended evening hours due to emergencies, the attendance at evening Board of Trustees meetings, or other official events

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. Metropolitan Community College recognizes that an individual with a disability may require an accommodation to enable the candidate to successfully perform a job function. Consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.