Associate/Assistant General Counsel - Employment Law

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

About the University of MS and Oxford, MS

Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.

Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.

Department Summary

The Office of General Counsel provides legal advice to the University on all aspects of University operations through the general counsel and a team of three associate general counsel.  This is a newly created position to add a fourth associate general counsel to the team.  This role requires regular collaboration with the University's Human Resources department and offers the opportunity to develop in-depth expertise in employment law within a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Associate General Counsel

Family -  Legal and Compliance 

Sub-Family - Legal

Career Track / Level - P4

Grade - 17

Assistant General Counsel 

Family -  Legal and Compliance 

Sub-Family - Legal

Career Track / Level - P3

Grade - 15

Role Summary

Associate General Counsel 

Provides legal representation for, and advice and counsel to, the institutional community to prevent or minimize impact of legal risks involving the institution.

Assistant General Counsel

Conducts in-depth legal research and analysis in order to provide legal guidance and support to the General Counsel, as well as University senior leadership, staff, and faculty regarding the impact of legal risks involving the university.

This position involves close collaboration with the University’s Office of Human Resources, Equal Opportunity & Regulatory Compliance, and other administrative units to advise  on the full spectrum of employment law issues arising in day-to-day operations of the University. Key responsibilities include advising on employment practices, personnel matters, workplace investigations, accommodations, and policy development, as well as supporting compliance efforts related to Title IX. This position requires sound judgment, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to legal risk management in a higher education setting. While experience in higher education, government, or public sector legal practice is desirable, it is not required. 

Examples of Work Performed

This position will: 
• Provide legal counsel on a wide range of employment matters, including hiring, promotion, discipline, termination, compensation, benefits, leaves of absence, accommodations, and workplace investigations.

• Advise Human Resources on compliance with federal and state employment laws such as Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, ADEA, and other employment-related statutes.

• Assist in the development, review, and implementation of employment policies and procedures.

• Support internal investigations and respond to complaints involving discrimination, harassment, and other employment-related issues.

• Represent the University before administrative agencies such as the EEOC, DOL, and state agencies.

• Provide training and guidance to HR professionals, managers, and University leadership on employment law topics and risk mitigation.

• Draft and review employment-related agreements, including severance, settlement, and performance agreements.

• Work collaboratively with other attorneys in the Office of General Counsel to support the broader legal needs of the University.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

Associate General Counsel

1. Manages and maintains a good working relationship with institutional clients by leveraging exemplary legal writing, research, and analytical skills to provide legal advice and counsel to multiple University constituents.
2. Safeguards the University’s institutional and academic interests by ensuring that actions taken by or on the behalf of the University comply with University policy, federal, state, and local law or regulation.
3. In cooperation with outside counsel, manages employment-related litigation.
4. Effectively manages multiple legal matters with competing and overlapping deadlines.
5. Reviews, drafts, and negotiates transactional documents on behalf of the organization.
6. Assists in the preparation and delivery of trainings for institutional employees and affiliated entities to provide general advice, education, and counseling regarding legal issues.
7. Provides direct policy making input and advice on matters of substantial magnitude related to University activities.
8. Proactively analyzes and recommends corrective action to ameliorate risk.
9. Represents and defends the University against legal claims and charges.

Assistant General Counsel

1. Meets with senior leadership, staff, and faculty on a broad range of legal issues to provide advice and counsel.
2. Completes legal research, fact-gathering, and analysis to determine the appropriate course of action and provides recommendations to the General Counsel on the legal issues.
3. Conducts in-depth legal research to support the work of the Office of General Counsel.
4. Prepares written work product in the form of memos, policies, letters, etc. to the General Counsel, senior leadership, and other internal clients as directed.
   
   

Minimum Education/Experience

Associate General Counsel

Education: Juris Doctor

Experience: (10) Ten Years Experience 

Assistant General Counsel

Education: Juris Doctor

Experience: (6) Six Years Experience 

Preferred Qualifications

A Juris Doctorate Degree from an ABA accredited law school, licensed to practice law in the state of Mississippi or obtain admission to the Mississippi Bar within 6 months of employment.

For full consideration please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.