Associate Vice Chancellor and Senior Litigation Counsel

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel! A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities
. Known for its beautiful campus, world‑class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events.

UNC‑Chapel Hill offers full‑time employees a comprehensive benefits package
, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Office of University Counsel represents the University, which entails providing legal advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, the administration, faculty, and staff on legal matters involving or affecting the institution. We advise the University administration on a broad range of initiatives, issues, and policy matters, and serve as a liaison between the University and its related and affiliated entities on legal and policy issues.

We also assist with program implementation and provide legal and policy training for internal University audiences and educational programs for legal audiences and general audiences outside the institution on matters affecting the University and higher education in general. We engage in crisis and opportunity management and preventative counseling, including the identification of high‑risk activities and enterprises conducted by the University and the articulation of methodologies or strategies for coping with the risks.

Our Office is responsible for selecting and supervising any outside counsel engaged by the institution. In all our work, we are committed to understanding the goals and upholding the values of Carolina's campus community.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office and University policy. UNC‑Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station. This position leads, coordinates, and supervises all aspects of litigation for the University, including internal investigations, administrative proceedings, federal and state regulatory enforcement risk mitigation and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act and the Public Records Act.

The role also requires preventive work to avoid litigation, and/or regulatory enforcement. This role oversees the application of the University’s electronic discovery platform and provides strategic legal counsel on high‑profile and emerging legal issues. The role includes serving as a leader, mentor, advisor, and supervisor for attorneys and paralegals to handle these responsibilities, while maintaining a high level of client service in litigation matters.

• Manage all phases of litigation. Mitigate the University’s litigation exposure both before and after litigation is filed. Manage internal processes, including intake, tracking, and reporting systems and provide strategic oversight for growth and improvement as needed.
• Manage all phases of internal hearing processes, including the presentation of the University’s case in faculty hearings.
• Provide legal advice and counsel to University clients.
• Identify, select, and manage outside counsel.
• Manage litigation counsel and oversee work performed by all counsel and paralegals that may impact the legal reserves of the University.
• Forecast litigation risks and exposure for senior leadership…