Deputy Counsel

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision and direction of the Vice President of Institutional Integrity & Legal Affairs, the Deputy Counsel will provide legal services and advice on a range of matters related to the operation of St. Thomas University, including drafting and reviewing contracts, researching and analyzing statutes, regulations, and relevant case law, advising departments and/or divisions within the university, and developing and implementing policies and procedures to support the operations of the Office of Legal Affairs and the rest of the university. The Deputy Counsel supports the work of the VP of Institutional Integrity & Legal Affairs and is responsible for completing complex and sensitive assignments that have a university-wide impact.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports the VP of Institutional Integrity & Legal Affairs with responding to legal issues or needs of departments and the Executive Team.

• Assists the VP of Institutional Integrity & Legal Affairs with the administration of the university's legal affairs, including the handling of civil litigation, administrative hearings, contract review and drafting, drafting policies and procedures, and completion of assignments.

• Assists policy makers by drafting new and amended policies, regulations, and procedures for the purpose of ensuring legal format, intent, and compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

• Provides legal counsel to university officials, including employees and the Executive Team, to prevent and minimize legal exposure to the university in the areas of labor/employment, public contracting and procurement, student conduct, data privacy, public and private sector ethics, open meeting laws and public records, and other public and private higher education policies and practices.

• Receives, reviews, logs, processes, and monitors evidentiary and document requests issued to the university, including subpoenas, requests for production of documents, requests for admissions, Florida Public Records Act (FPRA) requests, and deposition notices.

• Represents the university in mediation, arbitration, administrative hearings, and judicial proceedings, as needed. Prepares, drafts, and reviews a variety of complex legal documents, including contracts, agreements, Policies, Administrative Procedures, and resolutions.

• Assists with risk management, including managing the investigation, evaluation, and resolution of complex legal disputes, including regulatory, governmental, and highly sensitive matters, both litigated and non-litigated.

• Assists with property acquisition (purchase or lease) and facilities planning and development, including managing the investigation, evaluation, and resolution of complex legal disputes related to construction claims and activity, both litigated and non-litigated.

• Assists with the drafting and distribution of all appropriate legal communication for St. Thomas University.

• In coordination with the Office of Legal Affairs and the Human Resources Department, provides guidance and assistance in the areas of diversity, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Equal Opportunity Employment, sexual harassment, gender and sexual orientation sensitivity, discrimination, retaliation, and other human resources compliance issues.

• Assists the Human Resources Department with regard to personnel investigations and other employee relations matters, and recruitment and screening processes for all new hires and employee promotional opportunities, to maintain compliance with the district’s diversity, equity, and compliance programs.

• Assists Student Affairs with regard to student conduct matters, as well as policies, procedures, and processes, to maintain compliance with the university’s compliance programs.

• Attends and/or coordinates attendance of required parties at administrative hearings, settlement conferences, depositions, trials, arbitrations, and mediations in connection with open claims and litigations.

• Monitors industrial and non-industrial interactive process outcomes with Human Resources and the VP of Institutional Integrity & Legal Affairs.

• Partners with the VP of Institutional Integrity & Legal Affairs to conduct in-service training programs and workshops regarding legal issues, legislation, court decisions, and trends as needed.

• Works on special projects in response to needs assigned by the VP of Institutional Integrity & Legal Affairs.

• Attends in-person meetings, events, and other convenings as required.

• Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and direction in organizing and performing legal tasks and setting priorities.

• Legal record or file management practices and requirements;

• Litigation and litigation best practices to protect and advance the interests of St. Thomas University;

• Professional and tactful negotiation and persuasion skills to achieve objectives within legal and non-legal audiences;

• Problem-solving techniques and analytical principles for situational analysis and the ability to offer counsel and advice on legal and policy-related matters;

• Modern office equipment, practices, and software;

• Demonstrated understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse

academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of university students, staff, and faculty.

• Maintain an understanding of current ideas, research, and practices pertaining to the areas of responsibility for this position, through continued study and participation in professional organizations.

• Maintain confidentiality of communications, records, or reports ;

• Perform a variety of duties in support of the Office of Legal Affairs;

• Learn and adapt to operations, policies, and objectives of the College;

• Meet schedules, timelines, and deadlines;

• Communicate highly complex and difficult legal issues and matters effectively, both orally and in writing, and establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others;

• Compile, analyze, and interpret highly complex legal information to facilitate decision-making;

• Work cooperatively with St. Thomas University's departments and the public;

• Investigate and assess litigation and legal issues and offer sound advice;