Associate VP For Legal Affairs and Associate General Counsel

Profile

Associate VP for Legal Affairs and Associate General Counsel

Duties: Reports to and serves as the full deputy to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and University General Counsel (VPLA&UGC). Providing sound legal advice and services to the University and its officers, administration, supervisors and employees in support of the University’s strategic plan, mission and goals. Acts with significant autonomy, exercises independent judgment and leadership in assigned areas of responsibility under the general supervision and direction of the VPLA/UGC, acts on behalf of the VPLA and UGC in case of the VPLA’s absence or unavailability, and represents the VPLA&UGC with the authority to make commitments on behalf of the VPLA&UGC in accordance with the VPLA&UGC’s overall vision and direction. Supports VPLA/UGC with the provision of high quality legal services to all ten campuses and system offices in a responsive and timely manner, and with ensuring University policies, practice protocols and procedures support the University’s mission, goals and operations. Provide a proactive and collaborative approach to legal issues necessary for a higher education and public sector institution, and requires a strategic, proactive attorney that is well-versed in business dynamics and the balancing of risk and legal exposure while advancing the University’s mission in academic, research, student and administrative areas. Evaluating and minimizing legal risk; understanding operational and business needs; offering valuable advice, recommendations and options; and directing staff of attorneys on day to day basis to conduct themselves in accordance with the office’s service-oriented objectives. Assist with routine transactions and standardization of templates and procedures to maximize the efficiency of the Office of General Counsel. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with regents, officers, administrators, other government agencies and officials, and external counsel, in order to advance the University’s legal interests within the broader community. Responsible for providing and overseeing legal services to the Board of Regents, President, administrators, program managers and staff, in assigned areas of responsibility and under general direction and supervision of the VPLA&UGC. Represents the University in federal and state courts, administrative proceedings, and arbitrations. Assists with resolving disputes which may lead to litigation and in negotiating agreements. Provides advice and counsel to University officers, administrators and designated representatives on all legal or related matters. Attends meetings with the President and University officers, administrators and other managers. Attends regular and special meetings and certain committee meetings of the Board of Regents. Reviews and supervises the review of contracts submitted to the Office of the VPLA&UGC as to legality and form; approves contractual documents as to legality and form or makes recommendation for approval to VPLA&UGC. Performs legal research including staying abreast of current decisions, opinions and emerging trends both locally and nationally in public sector and higher education. Researches and issues legal opinions under the general direction of the VPLA&UGC in assigned areas of responsibility. Prepares and/or reviews legal documents, including contracts and agreements, to ensure that such documents comply with applicable laws, statute and University policy, and are appropriately drafted to accomplish the University’s objectives in the matter. Provides training to administrators, faculty and staff on legal and related issues. Assists clients in drafting rules and policies, and reviewing documents that have legal or related impact. Meets regularly with clients and the VPLA&UGC and keeps them apprised of major projects and matters. Interprets and drafts legislation and represents University interests when interacting with legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, and government agencies. Keeps abreast of best practices in public legal affairs specifically in higher education. Serves as a member of the University’s management team. Advises and counsels the President and other senior leaders regarding University policies, procedures and practices, strategies, and proposed courses of action, in assigned areas of responsibility and under general direction and supervision of the VPLA&UGC. Assists the VPLA&UGC in reviewing attorney and staff work product as appropriate, providing advice and guidance to attorneys and staff, and evaluating and strengthening work performance. Where appropriate, facilitates problem-solving with attorneys and clients. Sets professional standard and leads by example. Assumes duties and responsibilities of the Vice President for Legal Affairs and University General Counsel as directed and required. Under the general direction of the VPLA&UGC, assigns and oversees day to day work to attorneys, paralegal and support staff. Provides advice and counsel to VPLA&UGC, officers, administrators and program managers on potentially precedent setting cases, relevance of legal issues to University policies and procedures, and institutional policies and historical practices to facilitate formulation of legal positions in the best interest of the University. Identifies objectives and develops action plans and options that will strategically support overall goals and objectives. Develops and enforces office policies, directives, and procedures. Fosters effective communication with attorneys, apprises of significant cases and projects and establishes priorities to ensure effective legal representation. Facilitates effective working protocols and best practices with legal staff and support staff as appropriate. Under the general direction of the VPLA&UGC, plans, coordinates, and directs the day-to-day administrative functions of the office.

Company info

Sign Up Now - MiamiCrossing.com