Assistant General Counsel

DEPT: LEGAL DEPARTMENT

JOB CLASS: FULL-TIME ADMINISTRATOR 

EXEMPT STATUS: EXEMPT

REPORTS TO: GENERAL COUNSEL 

LOCATION: PASADENA, CA

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: 

As the second highest legal administrator, assists the General Counsel in working to support the dynamic educational environment of Fuller Theological Seminary by providing legal advice to support all areas of operation, instruction, research and administration. The position will assist with the implementation, tactical, day-to-day support in covering areas including employment, student-related matters, contract review and negotiation, real estate and transactional matters.

Serves as trusted internal advisor to the General Counsel on matters handled by the Office of the General Counsel, including ethics, investigations, policies, communications, and program administration, in addition to various other legal matters affecting the Seminary, including employment matters, campus operations issues, and risk management. This position may interact with the: faculty, staff, students, external counsel, and external agencies. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Serves as second highest legal position in the department, reporting directly to the General Counsel. Assists the General Counsel in managing the legal function of the organization.
• Provide advice and counsel to various stakeholders on a variety of legal matters; work collaboratively on coordinated projects with overlapping areas of responsibility and expertise.
• Oversee the development of both short and long-term plans and programs to promote awareness of the Institute's core values and policies.
• Assist in training, communications, programs, policies, subject-matter areas, and investigations.
• Handle legal issues including employee and labor relations matters, discrimination and harassment complaints, student affairs related to student conduct, student disciplinary proceedings, institutional responses to student health and safety issues, student records, and student organizational activities, Campus Safety / Clery Act and Title IX matters. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Educational Requirements

• A member in good standing with the State Bar of California 

Required Experience

• Five to ten years of experience in the practice of law preferably in a legal department or firm. It is highly desirable that the candidate has significant and broad experience with higher education legal issues. 

• General familiarity with the areas of non-profit, real estate, taxation and constitutional law. 

• Has a strong understanding of religious freedom matters, especially as they relate to faith-based higher education. 

Skills Required 

• Demonstrate superb judgement, critical thinking and reasoning skills with a reputation for discretion, integrity, and sensitivity to Christ-centered service and ethics. 

• Demonstrate a positive “can-do” attitude characterized by solving problems objectively with humble confidence. 

• This position requires excellent oral and written communication skills. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills 

• Strong legal research abilities. 

• Strong analytical, advocacy and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to work collegially in a diverse and complex environment. 

• Possesses multicultural sensitivity and good conflict resolution skills 

• Ability to create, compose, and edit legal opinions and other written materials 

• Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions 

• Ability to draft legal documents, such as legal responses, affidavits, position statements, and briefs. 

• Highly accurate and detail-oriented 

• Maintain the highest level of integrity and confidentiality 

Mental Demands 

• Ability to communicate effectively, written and verbal, in a friendly, patient, and professional manner. 

• Manage several projects simultaneously, and make sound decisions. 

• Work well with deadline pressures and distractions. 

• High initiative with the ability to work independently. 

• Motivated to take initiative. Ability to exercise confidentiality, good judgement, and discretion in job performance. 

• Logical problem solving ability. 

• Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances 

• In agreement with the mission and vision of Fuller Theological Seminary in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students. 

Physical Demands 

• Able to sit or stand for up to 8 hours at a time 

• Able to bend, grasp, and reach 

• Able to lift up to 25 pounds 

• Able to push and pull up to 50 pounds 

• Requires repetitive motions and sitting at computer keyboard 

• Able to hear and speak on the telephone 

• Able to read, take notes, and view a computer monitor 

• Able to conduct business and attend meetings at other offices on campus, requiring walking and/or driving to various locations 

Visual Demands 

• Computer monitor and reading 

Technologies 

• Proficient in Google Apps 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Word and Excel, Powerpoint 

ADDITIONAL REMARKS 

• This position requires a background and credit check 

• Willing to adhere to Fuller's Community Standards

• Willing to sign Fuller's Statement of Faith

Fuller Theological Seminary is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. To the extent required by law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. As a religious institution, Fuller Theological Seminary is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees or prospective employees for certain positions on the basis of religion.