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 Judicial College(MJC) provides training and education to Mississippi judges and MJC conducts approximately 18-20 conferences throughout the state each year.

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 Research Counsel II position with the Mississippi Judicial College develops, evaluates, implements, and organizes education and training programs for judges and court related personnel.   The Research Counsel II conducts legal research; proposes relevant judicial and legal topics for continuing judicial education seminars; advises committees and task forces; and provides technical assistance to judges and court related personnel on procedural and statutory concerns.  The Research Counsel II is required to travel to education and training conferences conducted by the Mississippi Judicial College conducted throughout the state.
 

Examples of Work Performed

• Develops, evaluates, implements, and organizes education and training programs for judges and court related personnel. 
• Supervises research associates. 
• Conducts legal research on relevant topics and for changes to current rules and statutes.  
• Drafts and updates handbooks and other publications for use by judges and court related personnel. Proposes relevant judicial and legal topics for continuing judicial education seminars.  
• Works with program manager in developing and organizing the agendas and instructional content of continuing judicial education seminars. 
• Prepares written materials and presentations for speakers, panelists, and participants of continuing judicial education seminars and for any requested or assigned lectures at continuing judicial education seminars. 
• Provides technical assistance to judges and court related personnel on various procedural and statutory concerns.  
• Lectures, serves as panelist, and moderates discussions at continuing judicial education seminars, as requested or assigned. 
• Advises task forces, commissions, committees, or councils on judicial topics and issues. 
• Drafts court rules, model jury instructions, and court related practice manuals. 
• Lectures at University and law school classes on court related topics. 
• Assists court related governmental agencies by providing judicial or legal research for use in completing grant projects. 
• Develops and organizes agendas and instructional content of continuing judicial education seminars.
• Performs related or similar duties, as requested or assigned.
   

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 

Licensure: Admission to practice law in the State of Mississippi. 

Travel is required for the Research Counsel II position.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: Two (2) years of experience related to the specified duties. 

Experience as a judicial intern or law clerk is preferred but not required.

Application Requirements:
Please submit (1) a combined cover letter and resume and (2) a 5-7-page, double spaced, writing sample with your application. The writing sample can be a judicial or legal memorandum or an "IRAC" brief. Please do not use artificial intelligence to compose the writing sample. The writing sample will help the department better assess your analytical and writing skills for the position.

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.