Assistant Deputy General Counsel for University Legal Affairs Operations

About the role

The Assistant Deputy General Counsel of University Legal Affairs Operations serves as a strategic advisor and operational leader within the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, this individual will provide both high-level legal counsel and executive oversight of the University Legal Affairs across all twenty-six campuses.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and representation in diverse subject matter areas relevant to higher education law.
• Conduct legal research, draft memoranda of law, and prepare correspondence for the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel.
• Support the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel in addressing high-priority legal matters, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Serve as a primary point of contact between the Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel and senior University leadership, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Act as chief liaison to the University's Campus Counsel, facilitating communication, coordination, and issue resolution across the University's twenty-six schools and colleges.
• Identify, prioritize, and manage critical legal and operational issues requiring cross-unit collaboration.
• Cook up periodic and monthly meetings between the Senior Vice Chancellor and Campus Counsels.
• Represent the Senior Vice Chancellor at University committees, meetings, and external events as assigned.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all interactions.
• Collaborate in the oversight of University legal affairs operations of the Campus Counsel with the Central Office of Legal Affairs, including University-wide legal matters requiring workflow management, scheduling, and administrative processes.
• Support, mentor and advise University campus counsel and supporting professional legal staff, set priorities, and ensure timely completion of projects and deliverables.
• Aid in the annual performance evaluations, promote professional development, and maintain high standards of service.
• Implement and collaborate in the oversight of legal technological and process improvements to enhance efficiency and knowledge sharing.
• Monitor and maintain records of legal licensure, training and technical support for all individuals acting as counsel.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree and a minimum of 15 to 18 years' related experience as a practicing attorney required, including experience in university, law firm, government or non-profit organization.
• Current New York State Bar membership in good standing required, or admission in another jurisdiction with eligibility for admission to the NYS bar through reciprocity or passing of the NYS bar exam within one year of hire date required.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting laws and organizational regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines in a complex regulatory environment.
• Experience supervising several attorneys and attorney support staff.