Research Counsel II

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.”

Department Summary

The Mississippi Law Research Institute is an official advisory law revision, research and reform agency of the state. It provides unbiased, nonpolitical law research for the Legislature, municipalities, universities and state agencies.  Our team is composed of an enthusiastic collection of attorneys and support staff who work with a wide variety of constituents and take our responsibility to the agencies of Mississippi very seriously.  We value teamwork and congeniality.

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

Family -  Legal and Compliance 

Sub-Family - Legal

Career Track / Level - P2

Grade - 11

Role Summary

Provides legal assistance to and performs legal research for state and government agencies.

The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program Research Counsel II will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of large grants, including the procurement of such grants, the execution of the grants, and the reporting and in-depth analysis required.

Research Counsel is expected to be an enthusiastic educator, conducting seminars and offering presentations to educate and inform a wide variety of constituents. Willingness to travel is therefore an
important component of this position.

While the Mississippi Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program was created to enhance the sustainable use and conservation of ocean and coastal resources to benefit the economy and environment in Alabama and Mississippi, there is frequent communication and opportunity for collaboration with the National Sea Grant Law Center. The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator, educator, and collaborator, with a passion for advancing the sustainable use and conservation of coastal and ocean resources.

Examples of Work Performed

The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program Research Counsel is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing the Legal Program's projects and activities.
Specific duties include:

• Conducting legal research, with an emphasis on conceiving substantive legal improvement and communicating those ideas effectively to the Mississippi and Alabama legislatures.
• Seeking and securing grants.
• Managing grant awards and budgets.
• Creating content for websites and social media platforms.
• Managing MASGLP's online presence.
• Supervising law student research assistants.
• Attending local, regional, and national conferences.
• Providing effective MASGLP outreach, including delivering conference and community presentations.
• Serving as an active member of the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium outreach team. 

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.

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. Investigates and prepares materials for litigation matters in cooperation with outside counsel.
3. Effectively manages multiple legal matters with competing and overlapping deadlines.
4. Assists in the preparation and delivery of trainings for institutional employees and affiliated entities to provide general advice, education, and counseling regarding legal issues.
5. Provides direct policy making input and advice on matters of substantial magnitude related to University activities.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Juris Doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association

Experience: (3) Three Years Experience 

Preferred Qualifications

Admission to practice law in Mississippi and/or Alabama
Experience and interest in ocean, coastal, and marine resources law (strongly preferred)
If not admitted to Mississippi or Alabama bar, willingness to sit for the Mississippi or Alabama bar.

This job has geographic flexibility and can be located in Oxford or Biloxi.

Please submit a cover letter and writing sample with your application.  The writing sample should be related to environmental law.  These documents will help us better assess your qualifications and communication skills for the role.

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 affirmative action 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.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

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.