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  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…