Position Details
Position Information
| Recruitment/Posting Title |
Assistant General Counsel |
| Job Category |
Staff & Executive - Legal |
| Department |
General Counsel |
| Overview |
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.
For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities. |
| Posting Summary |
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking an Assistant General Counsel for the Office of General Counsel (
OGC).
Reporting to the Executive Vice President and General Counsel and the Associate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel - Labor and Employment, or in their absence the Assistant Deputy General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel is a lawyer who plays a role within the Office of the Executive Vice President and General Counsel ("OGC"), which typically is demonstrated by assuming responsibility for sensitive legal matters with significant University-wide implications. These include arbitrations, Public Employment Relations Commission matters, wage and hour guidance, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and New Jersey Division on Civil Rights Charges and other state and federal agency matters, labor negotiations, Department of Labor matters, and employment counseling. In addition, the Assistant General Counsel is responsible for analyzing pending legislation and regulations to determine their potential impact on the university and serving as counsel to central administration, campus, and school leadership and serving on committees regarding the foregoing. At the direction of the Associate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel will provide efficient and relevant legal advice to all University clients who seek assistance from
OGC in matters relating to the aforementioned areas of expertise.
The Assistant General Counsel is a member of the Labor and Employment Group. This attorney will work in a variety of areas, with a focus on providing advice, counsel, and representation in labor and employment matters.
Among the key duties of the position are the following:
- Works in a variety of areas, with a primary focus on handling labor and employment matters, such as collective negotiations, wage and hour counseling, civil rights cases, labor arbitrations, internal investigations, and EEOC/DCR/PERC/DOL and other state and federal agency matters. Provides advice and counsel to University Departments on a wide variety of legal issues that affect a public institution of higher education; provide training and preventative law presentations for Rutgers University staff; provide advice, education, and counsel regarding FERPA, EERA, NJLAD, CEPA, Title VII, Title IX and other employment laws, subpoenas, and other higher education legal issues; and provide advice and guidance pertaining to drafting and reviewing University-wile policies and procedures.
- Analyzes and evaluates pending legislation and regulations to determine if they apply to the University and, if so, their impact on the University.
- Handles other duties, as assigned by the GC, Deputy General Counsels, or Assistant Deputy General Counsels.
|
| FLSA |
Exempt |
| Grade |
09 |
| Salary Details |
|
| Minimum Salary |
124967.000 |
| Mid Range Salary |
158175.000 |
| Maximum Salary |
191383.000 |
| Offer Information |
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. |
| Benefits |
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
|
| Position Status |
Full Time |
| Working Hours |
|
| Standard Hours |
37.50 |
| Daily Work Shift |
|
| Work Arrangement |
|
| Union Description |
Administrators Confidential |
| Payroll Designation |
PeopleSoft |
| Seniority Unit |
|
| Terms of Appointment |
Staff - 12 month |
| Position Pension Eligibility |
ABP |
Qualifications
| Minimum Education and Experience |
- Law degree (JD, LLM) from an accredited law school.
- At least three (3) years of relevant experience, especially in the area of labor and employment.
|
| Certifications/Licenses |
|
| Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities |
- Member, in good standing, of the New Jersey State Bar (or ability to become admitted within one year of hire).
- Ability to work collaboratively and manage relationships with multiple clients.
- Ability to handle multiple matters simultaneously.
- Effective leadership skills with the ability to participate in innovation and change, strategic thinking and problem solving.
- Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal presentation.
- Relevant experience overseeing group projects or assignments.
- Ability to work independently but also collaboratively in a large organization.
|
| Preferred Qualifications |
- Relevant experience representing or working in-house at public entities, particularly New Jersey public entities or public or private higher-education institutions, or, relevant experience working in-house in another setting where the main responsibility was handling the legal areas noted in the description.
- Superior academic credentials.
- Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple and changing priorities and objectives.
- Ability to work collaboratively within the Office of the Executive Vice president and General Counsel and with other staff within the broader University administration.
|
| Equipment Utilized |
- NetDocuments (electronic document management systems).
- Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Westlaw - online legal research software.
- CounselLink - e-Billing Software.
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| Physical Demands and Work Environment |
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| Special Conditions |
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Posting Details
| Posting Number |
26ST0493 |
| Posting Open Date |
03/13/2026 |
| Special Instructions to Applicants |
|
| Regional Campus |
Rutgers University-New Brunswick |
| Home Location Campus |
Downtown New Brunswick |
| City |
New Brunswick |
| State |
NJ |
| Location Details |
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Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
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