The Office of the General Counsel of the University of Minnesota is seeking a skilled, client-focused, and experienced lawyer to represent Regents of the University of Minnesota in civil litigation matters in state and federal courts, and in other internal and external forums, and to advise on matters relating to student affairs and Title IX. 

This is a hybrid, 100% time, 12 month, P&A position with required on-site work on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and remote work on the other days of the week. OGC employees working remotely are expected to work in the Minneapolis - Saint Paul metropolitan area so they will be able to come into the office if needed. Based on qualifications and experience, applicants will be hired into one of the two job codes, 9733GC or 9732GC.  

The University of Minnesota is a research-intensive, five-campus institution of higher education. The University enrolls over 59,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students each year. It spends more than $1 billion each year on research, placing it eleventh among public universities in the country. 

The function of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is to meet the varied and highly specialized legal needs of the University of Minnesota, one of the largest, most complex research universities in the country. OGC attorneys provide legal services in many fields: litigation, employment and labor relations; health care law; sponsored research agreements; regulatory compliance; intellectual property; public finance and governance; purchasing and sales of goods and services; real estate transactions; ethics and conflicts of interest; and other law specialties. 

The General Counsel is responsible for oversight and management of these legal services as well as the Office of Athletic Compliance, the Data Access and Privacy Office and the Clery Compliance Coordinator. The General Counsel reports directly to the Board of Regents and the University President.

This position will focus on two key areas: 

Litigation 

This position will represent Regents of the University of Minnesota in civil litigation matters in state and federal courts, and in other internal and external forums, as well as in managing and conducting internal investigations. The successful candidate will advocate for the University in connection with claims that may arise on any of the University's campuses or in any University department, statewide. Responsibilities may include all aspects of civil litigation practice, such as investigating the underlying facts, drafting pleadings, completing discovery, drafting and responding to motions, handling or assisting in a hearing or trial and any subsequent appeal. Matters will involve a wide variety of substantive legal issues, including employment matters, tort claims, contract-based disputes, real estate and construction issues, federal and state civil rights claims, regulatory matters and any other claim involving the University. 

Advising: Student Affairs, Title IX, and Related Legal Matters 

This position will also provide counsel on matters related to student affairs, including Title IX compliance, student conduct and discipline, academic integrity, disability accommodations, and related higher education regulatory issues. Responsibilities will also include advice and representation in other areas as assigned by the General Counsel.

Essential Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in Minnesota (or eligibility for prompt admission) AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING BASED ON JOB CODE:
  • Assoc General Counsel: Minimum of 4 years of legal experience, including significant experience in litigation and advising clients in a complex institutional or governmental setting. 
  • Sr Assoc General Counsel: Minimum of 8 years of legal experience, including significant experience in litigation and advising clients in a complex institutional or governmental setting.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex legal matters independently and provide strategic legal advice in a clear, concise, and practical manner. 
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in or with institutions of higher education. 
• Strong knowledge of applicable laws and regulations relevant to student affairs, including Title IX, Title VI, FERPA, and the ADA. 
• Familiarity with administrative hearings, internal university grievance or conduct processes, and civil rights investigations.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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