Assistant Counsel

Under the direction of the Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, this incumbent will assist in providing legal counsel on standard to moderately complex legal issues to specified organizational units within the University including such areas as: legal research, policy review and analysis, legal compliance issues, contract preparation and review, property sale/acquisition, employment, and/or clinical affairs. Provide written and verbal legal opinions to various stakeholders. Participate and/or assist in the conduct of litigation, as assigned.

General Purpose - The incumbent shall provide legal advice and counsel necessary and desirable to serve the University's legal interest. Provide legal interpretation or opinion, establish mechanisms and follow steps to maintain awareness of current developments in the area of law and education. Advise top administrators and staff on matters of legal concern; inform individual employees and/or entire departments of potential practices that may lead to individual or institutional liability. Recommend the implementation, creation or revision of policies and procedures as needed. Perform other related tasks and special projects as assigned.

* Provides counsel and guidance in the areas of academic and student affairs; accessibility; contracts and purchasing, including real estate and construction; regulatory compliance; grants and sponsored research; intellectual property; discrimination; litigation; environmental health and safety; privacy and data security; and risk management and insurance.
* Conducts and/or assists in the conduct of legal research and analysis; prepares written and verbal opinions of counsel, as needed.
* Drafts, reviews, and approves policies and procedures, regulations, leases, licenses and other legal documents.
* Collaborates in the preparation and submission of grant applications to secure funding for various projects and initiatives and monitors the progress of such to ensure all deadlines and requirements are met. Follows up with relevant stakeholders to track the status and outcomes of grant submissions, ensuring that all necessary steps are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
* Reviews, prepares, and approves contracts involving purchases, sales, insurance, employment, research and related matters.
* Researches and analyzes laws and regulations; educates and trains University community about legal issues, policies and procedures.
* Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Education:
Minimal Qualifications
J.D. from an American Bar Association accredited law school and a licensed attorney in the State of New York with at least three (3) years of full-time relevant legal experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
J.D. from an American Bar Association accredited law school and a licensed attorney in the State of New York with at least five (5) years of full-time, relevant progressively responsible legal experience.

Experience:
Minimal Experience:
Three years of relevant experience working in higher education and/or state/federal governmental experience preferred, or similar experience in the private sector.
Preferred Experience:
Five years of relevant experience working in higher education and/or state/federal governmental experience preferred, or similar experience in the private sector.

* Knowledge of legal documentation procedures and requirements and the ability to draft legal documents, such as pleadings, legal responses, affidavits, position statements and briefs.
* Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions.
* Proficient research and analytical skills, and sound judgment.
* Ability to identify a broad array of legal issues that arise in a public higher education setting;
* Knowledge of contract documents and specifications.
* Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
* Aptitude to combine legal considerations with program and policy objectives in development of practical solutions that meet institutional needs.
* High ethical standards and demonstrated work ethic.
* Knowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment within which they operate.
* Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other members of the Office and institutional clients; and successfully interact with the broader campus community and external audiences from academia, industry, and government.
* Ability to prioritize tasks; organize work; handle multiple unrelated matters concurrently in a timely and proficient manner.
* Ability to make sound decisions and employ strong analytical skills and effective problem-solving skills to prevent or resolve complex problems.
* Excellent listening, oral and written communication, and other interpersonal skills.

The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Health & Safety: All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University's Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

Special Instructions to Applicants: An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from veterans and people with disabilities.

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records