Department: General Counsel
Location: Chicago, IL
Assistant General Counsel
Pay Range: $170,000 $175,000 per year
The pay range listed reflects the anticipated base compensation for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on skills, experience, education, and internal equity.
Benefits Eligibility: Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here: https://www.iit.edu/hr/benefits
Position Summary
Illinois Institute of Technologys Office of General Counsel (OGC) is responsible for providing legal advice and representation to the University, and to faculty and staff acting in their roles as representatives of the University. This Assistant General Counsel position reports directly to the General Counsel and must work independently on a wide range of complex and novel topics. The OGC provides proactive, customer-service oriented legal support and guidance to clients across the campus community. The Assistant General Counsel must: be a self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously; combine legal considerations with program and policy objectives to develop practical solutions that meet client needs; take dedicated ownership of projects; demonstrate high ethical standards; work collaboratively as part of a small team: exhibit a strong commitment to the university's mission; effectively train and educate the campus community; and employ excellent interpersonal skills.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- This Assistant General Counsel position will involve performing general legal services with an emphasis on employment and labor law compliance (Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Higher Education Act), faculty matters, student affairs and conduct matters, and policy review. Key responsibilities include:
- Conduct legal research, prepare motions and arguments, and prepare University witnesses for depositions and trial as needed.
- Serve as the legal/compliance representative on hiring committees, accreditation committees and various institutional review boards.
- Provide formal/informal training to human resources and University leadership on employment- and higher education-related regulatory requirements.
- Maintain familiarity with Board policies and provide support as needed.
- Advise on staff and faculty employment matters, including recruitment and retention, performance and disciplinary issues, tenure and promotion processes, and academic governance matters involving faculty committees, institutional policies, and shared governance structures.
- Maintain professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest developments in college and university law and in other related areas.
- As needed, provide support for the coordination, legal review, and negotiation of a variety of contracts including but not limited to affiliation agreements and MOUs. This may include drafting or providing legal review of documents.
- Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions regarding state and federal laws applicable to higher education, including but not limited to, FERPA, Title IX, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ADEA, ADA, FMLA.
- Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by General Counsel.
- Advise human resources personnel and University leadership on a wide range of legal matters, including but not limited to, employee and labor relations matters, and related strategic initiatives, including compliance with workplace laws/regulations (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, ERISA, FLSA, FMLA and INA), as well as those related to remote work arrangements.
- Draft and review policies, employment/consulting agreements and other employment- related communications and contracts, including the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements.
- Represent the University in matters before federal, state and local courts and administrative agencies (e.g., EEOC, DOL, OSHA, Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, and state/local agencies).
- Respond to administrative charges, audits and investigations, including conducting witness interviews, collecting and reviewing documents, and drafting position statements.
- Advise student affairs and University leadership on Title IX obligations and compliance, and review and draft policies related to the same.
- Respond to external requests for information, including subpoenas, personnel record requests, and administrative agency requests.
- Advise department of athletics and University leadership on NCAA Division III rules and regulations.
- Respond to inquiries, charges, or complaints registered by or with external regulatory and law enforcement agencies, to include conducting or assisting with internal investigations; marshaling evidence for reports, investigative responses, and discovery; and assisting in the development and articulation of University positions and responses in consultation with the General Counsel and other appropriate University administrators.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited U.S. law school.
- Five (5) years of progressive responsibility and experience practicing law in a law firm, government agency, corporate office, or university/college setting.
- Experience with governmental agencies/compliance boards is strongly desired. Experience in the fields of higher education law is preferred.
- Familiarity with employee benefits law is preferred. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to think strategically, solve problems creatively, and provide actionable advice.
- Certifications & Licenses
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois in good standing (or ability to obtain licensure promptly after date of hire).
Preferred Competencies
- Outstanding writing, verbal, interpersonal and research skills, including the ability to communicate with people who work at all levels of an organization.
