Specialist 1-Asst Gen Counsel | Office of University Human Resources

Profile Summary

Positions in this job profile provide or assist in the provision of legal counsel to specified organizational units of the institution. They perform standard and complex legal work in assigned areas. Practice areas may include, but are not limited to labor and employment, civil rights, constitutional law, public records, public finance, student affairs, intellectual property, technology transfer, information technology, research transactions, design and construction transactions, procurement, purchasing and contracts, real property matters, risk management and compliance. They participate and/or assist in the conduct of litigation as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The distinguishing characteristic of the Specialist 1-Asst Gen Counsel profile are the responsibilities to provide legal counsel for departments, colleges, and units across the university. Specialist 1-Asst Gen Counsel profile is distinguished from the Specialist 1-Assoc Gen Counsel profile by less scope of responsibilities. Specialist 1-Assoc Gen Counsel has the added responsibilities to stand in for the University General Counsel as assigned.

Primary Position Responsibilities

1. Serves as primary contact for legal advice to multiple divisions, departments, colleges and units across the university as assigned. 2. Drafts, reviews, and provides advice on proposed legislation, and University policy development and processes. 3. Conducts research on a variety of legal matters. 4. May provide legal advice on areas such as public records, subpoena responses, investigations, responses to civil rights and tort claims. 5. May provide litigation support to outside counsel. 6. May advise University bargaining team on issues arising during the course of negotiations, including review and editing of bargaining proposals and provides University administrators legal advice in connection with bargaining strategies.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Problems are highly varied, complex and often non-recurring; require novel and creative approaches to resolution. New concepts and approaches may have to be developed. Decisions have significant, broad implications for the management and operations of other university departments and divisions and in some cases the entire university; job contributes to decisions on the overall strategy and direction of the entire organization. Decisions impact: • Entire University • Functions across the University • Department • Direct team • Vendors/Suppliers/Contractors • Students/Parents • Other External Agencies and Institutions

Accountability

Results are defined by the University General Counsel; incumbent sets own goals and determines how to accomplish results with few or no guidelines to follow, although precedents may exist; supervisor/manager provides broad guidance and overall direction. Positions typically do not have supervisory nor fiscal responsibilities.

Relationship With Others

Collaborates and interacts within the Dept/Unit, University Wide, and Externally to: • Develop and maintain relationships with key contacts to enhance workflow and work quality. • Exchange routine, factual information and/or answer routine questions. • Identify needs/concerns of others, determine potential solutions, resolve or redirect appropriately. • Persuade, gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas, or collaborate on significant projects. • Resolve conflict, negotiate, or collaborate on major projects. • Exchange detailed information or resolve varied problems. • Access and/or work with sensitive and/or confidential information. • Handle sensitive issues and facilitate collaboration at the highest level.

Typical Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school. 5 years of experience as a practicing lawyer. Must be a member of the Oregon State Bar or admissible at the first opportunity.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by positions within this job profile. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of all employees within positions covered by this job profile.