What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant/Associate Counsel position at Jobs@UIOWA Careers?
The University of Iowa, a research-intensive public institution of higher education located in Iowa City, Iowa, is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant/Associate Counsel in the University’s Office of the General Counsel. The Assistant/Associate Counsel reports to the Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel.
All attorneys in the office provide legal advice to the University on a broad variety of subject matters, including employment law, constitutional law and civil rights (disability, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, etc.), transactional matters, immigration, information technology and security, intellectual property, litigation preparation and support, academic and student issues, health care law, athletics, sponsored programs and research compliance, and other issues related to a public institution of higher education.
This position will focus primarily on transactional and business services matters, including drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts, immigration support (basic employment filings and coordination with internal staff and outside counsel), intellectual property and licensing, public records, and regulatory compliance matters.
There is an expectation that the person in this position will maintain effective, civil, and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold the University’s commitment to creating welcoming and respectful environments for all.
Key Areas of Responsibilities
Legal Advising
- Provide legal advising based on federal and state law, institutional policies and procedures, required regulatory compliance, contract terms, and public policy considerations.
- Advise on variety of subject areas, including transactional and business services matters, including drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts, immigration support (basic employment filings and coordination with internal staff and outside counsel), intellectual property and licensing, public records, and regulatory compliance matters.
- Counsel/represent departments as assigned.
Research
- Conduct general and/or specialized research and oversight/review of assigned paralegal research.
Training and Educational Programs
- Develop or advise on the development of training content, including materials for assigned units, newly issued policies, and procedural updates. This includes helping translate legal obligations into clear, practical guidance.
- Provide outreach and education to campus units as necessary or requested.
Liaison with Attorney General (AG) and Board of Regents
- Guide campus units in responding to subpoenas, warrants, and law enforcement information requests, and coordinate with the Iowa Attorney General’s or Iowa Board of Regents offices when matters implicate state representation or institutional legal exposure.
- Support litigation related activities by preparing or overseeing the preparation of required materials, to assist and direct coordination with the Attorney General or Iowa Board of Regents on assigned matters.
Coordinate with Outside Counsel
- Assist and direct coordination with outside counsel on matters requiring specialized expertise or representation. Support and oversee such engagements.
Leadership/Supervision
- Contribute actively to the Office of the General Counsel’s team environment, providing mentorship and serving as a collaborative resource for colleagues across the office.
- May provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching, and counseling to support staff to ensure outcomes are achieved.
About Us
The Office of the General Counsel advises and represents the University of Iowa, including the President and Vice Presidents, University of Iowa Health Care, Athletics, and all of the schools and colleges on campus. We also collaborate regularly with the Iowa Board of Regents, and the Iowa Attorney General’s office. We do not represent faculty, staff, or students in private legal matters.
We are in the service business. We help the University fulfill its educational, research, and service missions in accord with the myriad legal and policy requirements applicable to public research universities. We are subject matter experts and problem solvers committed to helping our clients achieve their goals in a creative, practical, and timely manner.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.
Required Qualifications
- A Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree in Law from an accredited law school is required.
- The successful candidate will meet the following required qualifications:
- Current license to practice law in the state of Iowa or current license to practice law in another jurisdiction with the documented reasonable expectation of becoming licensed in Iowa within 12 months.
- Three to five years of experience in a sophisticated legal environment advising and representing clients on complex legal issues, including but not limited to transactions and compliance.
- Excellent judgment, discretion, and empathy.
- Strong analytical, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated job-related experience with and/or commitment to a welcoming and respectful work and academic environment.
- Clear and concise written and oral communication skills demonstrating excellent analysis and reasoning. A professional writing sample will be required later in the hiring process.
- Flexibility and willingness to learn new areas of the law.
- High regard for and demonstration of professional ethics and integrity.
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to balance and prioritize multiple projects and initiatives involving constituencies from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
- Experience and comfort with presentation of training materials to small or large groups with varying levels of knowledge of the subject matter.
- Experience with higher education issues.
- Project management and litigation experience.
Application and Position Details
- In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For additional questions, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.
Benefits Highlights
- Regular salaried position. Pay level 5B. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
- Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
- For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.