Job Description

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, invites applications for Assistant General Counsel, UNLV General Counsel [R0150612]

ROLE of the POSITION

The Office of General Counsel at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas seeks an Assistant General Counsel to assist UNLV’s Vice President and General Counsel or designee (“General Counsel”) in providing general legal services and counsel to senior academic and administrative officers of the University concerning UNLV’s legal rights and obligations, including litigation and threatened litigation, with a focus on the UNLV School of Dental Medicine (“SDM”) and other campus healthcare units. The incumbent will meet regularly with the General Counsel to ensure consistent application of Nevada System of Higher Education (“NSHE”) and University policies and procedures and to inform the General Counsel of any new or threatened litigation or significant legal matters that arise. The scope of the role includes conducting legal research; advising SDM and other campus leadership on matters pertaining to compliance with state and federal laws affecting their units; litigation in the courts of both the State of Nevada and the United States; proceedings in federal and state administrative and regulatory agencies; providing general legal services with a particular emphasis on contracts, business, tort law, employment law, public records, civil rights/constitutional law, risk management, dispute resolution, student rights, and public/private partnerships. The position is also responsible for other such legal or administrative duties as may be assigned by the General Counsel. This position has a variable work schedule, and requires occasional travel. Concurrent private practice is prohibited.

This position will:

• Manage a litigation caseload (from beginning to end) and pre-litigation disputes, in various areas of law, including civil/constitutional, employment, personal injury, professional liability, and general liability cases; interact and coordinate with outside counsel, as appropriate. Prepare court pleadings, legal memoranda, and other papers for filing in litigation and administrative matters; conduct discovery, including depositions. Analyze and respond to legal demands and claims.
• Provide oral and written reports and recommendations on findings and outcomes to the General Counsel or designee and/or other University administrators. When appropriate, make recommendations for action and implementation. Coordinate responses to governmental compliance inquiries, charges, and complaints; respond to audits; and coordinate and prepare responses to subpoenas, court orders, attorney requests, public records requests, and other administrative document or information requests.
• Represent the University in trials and hearings in state, federal, and local courts, and before state and federal administrative and regulatory agencies.
• Provide advice regarding enforcement of disciplinary standards and policies for faculty, staff, and students, including: (a) recruitment, hiring and discharge of employees; licensing and credentialing of professionals, as appropriate; and matters of appointment, reappointment and tenure; and (b) student conduct and academic integrity matters.
• Draft agreements, legal opinions, correspondence, policies and other documents in compliance with federal laws, state laws, and NSHE directives and guidelines; approval of contracts, releases, and other documents as to legal form.
• Identify and provide legal advice to mitigate legal risks within the University, including those related to employment and other compliance matters (i.e., FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, ACA).
• Interpret state and federal laws and regulations; Board of Regents’ Handbook; NSHE Procedures & Guidelines Manual; and University, college and unit bylaws and policies, including those related to shared governance.
• Stay abreast of legislation, trends, issues and best practices pertaining to assigned areas; review court decisions, proposed legislation and proposed programs/policies.
• As directed by General Counsel, supervise one or more attorneys and/or support staff in the Office of General Counsel, either on an ongoing or project specific basis.

Minimum Qualifications (Education & Experience):

J.D. degree with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in litigation before state and/or federal courts. Must be licensed to practice law and a current or prospective member of the State Bar of Nevada within twelve (12) months of employment. Limited practice certifications under Nevada Supreme Court Rule 49.1 will not be accepted.

Preferred Qualifications (Education & Experience):

Preference will be given to candidates with seven (7) or more years of related experience, and to candidates with relevant experience within a higher education institution or a Nevada public agency. Preference will also be given to candidates who have tried cases to verdict, and to those who have civil rights/employment law experience.

Must be available to travel occasionally and to work weekends/evenings, as required.

SALARY

The salary range is $144,075.00 to $161,662.62, depending on experience and preferred qualifications. Salary competitive with those at similarly situated institutions. Position is contingent upon funding.