Who We Are:
System Administration, which also houses the Office of the President, is located in the uptown neighborhood of Denver with a few smaller offices located on the campuses. Many of our departments support the educational and research missions of the four University of Colorado campuses, but System Administration is not considered a campus. We provide diverse opportunities for professional development, innovation, and collaboration with talented staff and faculty. Learn more about CU System Administration.
University Counsel has a dual report to the Board of Regents and the President of the University and includes several legal functions that provide an array of services to the University of Colorado system. The Office of the University Counsel provides legal advice to the Board of Regents, the president, system administration and the campuses.
Position Summary:
The Office of University Counsel provides legal research services to the University of Colorado’s (CU) Office of the President, litigation office, or one of our four campus counsel offices. The Research Counsel position is located at the CU System Administration Office and functions under the direction and supervision of senior legal counsel who are designated as special assistant attorneys general. The Office of University Counsel prides itself on timely and excellent advice and assistance to complete fast paced work as part of a tight knit team. Successful candidates recognize issues, propose possible resolutions, provide timely follow-up, solve problems, and work collaboratively across all areas of the organization. This position must possess advanced knowledge associated with the professional practice of law, perform associated duties that are intellectual and varied in nature, and exercise discretion and independent judgment.
This security-sensitive position requires a criminal background check. This position reports to the Sr. Assistant Counsel and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff system.
Where You Will Work:
This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule, working some days from home and some days in office at our 1800 Grant Street location.
Diversity and Equity:
The University of Colorado System Administration Office is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse workforce. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Researches legal issues, prepares research memoranda, and assists senior legal on issues including, but not limited to, the following:
- Federal and state laws and regulations (in particular, those impacting institutions of higher education and government entities, for example, open records requirements)
- Bills introduced in the General Assembly
- Federal lobbying issues
- Laws of the Regents and University policies
- Employment law issues
- Tax-exempt status issues
- Corporate law issues
- Health care and patient care issues
- EEOC and civil rights issues
- State Personnel Board cases
- Faculty issues
- Student issues
- Reviews and analyzes legislation
- Reviews and drafts policies, contracts, leases, and other legal agreements under supervision of senior legal counsel
- Analyzes, researches, and drafts proposed legal opinions, both written and oral, for various University constituencies, including administrators, faculty, staff, and students
- Assists senior legal counsel with executing tactful and effective communication, both in writing and orally, with various internal and external constituencies, including faculty members, staff, students, federal and state officials, and the general public
What We Offer:
Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $89,400-$92,976.
CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate’s education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position’s scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.
Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.
- No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
- Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
- Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
- Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
- 4 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
- Tuition Benefit of 9 waived credits for eligible courses on any CU campus per academic year for employees, as well as options for your dependents.
- Free RTD EcoPass and Free Onsite Parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
- Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.
For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.
Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Please ensure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all minimum requirements listed at the time of application to be considered for this role.
- Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited school of law
- Licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado or eligibility and acquisition of licensure within one year of hire
- At least one (1) year of working experience post-graduation from law school within a legal environment, particularly law firm or in-house counsel experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Three (3) years of work experience providing legal representation and advice to clients
- Professional experience providing legal services in a higher education setting and/or training on higher education issues
- Professional experience providing legal services in a government setting
- Experience in a professional legal team-oriented environment
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
To be successful in this position, employees will need to know the following:
- Knowledge and ability to adhere to the highest level of confidentiality at all times
- Ability to work independently and under pressure, to manage multiple concurrent tasks and responsibilities, and to adapt to changing priorities
- Ability to interpret and apply complex rules and regulations
- Ability to utilize the Microsoft Office Suite products
- Ability to utilize Westlaw, WestNext, Lexis Nexis or other comparable legal research platforms
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a demanding environment
- Be a proactive self-starter with a demonstrated ability to show initiative in addressing and anticipating client needs
- Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills
- Demonstrated client communication skills
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application:
1. A cover letter identifying the job specific minimum qualifications you posse
2. A resume including any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.
Please ensure you check the “Job Specific Attachments” box next to each document on the “Required Documents” page of the application for the appropriate documents to be attached.
When to Apply:
For full consideration completed applications must be submitted by November 7th. Reference checking is a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including email addresses, for up to five references as part of the search process for this position. *Please note: All application materials must be submitted through CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered.*
Sponsorship Statement:
We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
ADA Statement:
We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: systemhr@cu.edu.