University Executive Counsel and Special Litigation Counsel

Company: City University of New York
Location: New York
Posted on: November 8, 2024

Job Description:

University Executive Counsel and Special Litigation Counsel
POSITION DETAILS
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is the system-wide legal resource for The City University of New York providing counsel to the Board of Trustees, Chancellor, and CUNY's 25 constituent colleges. Its services touch all operational areas of the University, and its campuses, and supports CUNY's decision-makers in advancing the University's educational mission by providing expert, relevant and timely legal advice, guidance and advocacy.
OGC seeks a highly accomplished litigation attorney who is adept in the management of complex civil litigation cases and matters for its Executive University Counsel and Special Litigation Counsel position. This senior legal role l provides in-house expertise in complex civil litigation cases, civil investigations, and coordination of University responses to subpoenas, and provides timely and accurate legal advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor and Cabinet, and University administrators.
The Special Litigation Counsel will play a particularly large role in directing, managing and addressing complex civil litigation. The attorney will also be expected to provide legal advice and support, together with other OGC litigation attorneys to CUNY's constituent colleges, Central Office administrators, and Campus Counsels on a wide variety of matters, including legal issues in education, First Amendment, due process, and other constitutional protections, college governance, and the interpretation, drafting and revising of CUNY policies, plus overseeing training sessions for campus staff on various legal topics.
In this leadership role, the Executive Counsel will:

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• Lead and manage complex civil litigation matters and represent the University in state and national legal discussions involving higher education.
  
• Coordinate with external legal partners including outside counsel, the New York Attorney General's Office and NYC Corporation Counsel, handling key litigation strategy, including discovery, civil and criminal subpoena compliance and select in-house legal proceedings.
  
• Advise on discrimination complaints with federal, state, and local agencies; and guide CUNY colleges and units on issues concerning such civil and/or criminal cases.
  
• Develop legal strategy and oversight for large litigation matters and manage both internal and external litigation counsel, including tort litigation and claims against University personnel.
  
• Provide expert guidance in settlement negotiations, the development of legal policies, and the creation of advisory materials for University leadership.
  
• Collaborate with OGC attorneys to prepare and file legal documents for municipal, state, and federal cases and ensure compliance with University litigation guidelines and lead settlement negotiations within authority levels.
  
  This position has a dual report to the General and Deputy General Counsel of OGC. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  
  • 
    
  • Prepare, file and make appearances on behalf of the University in municipal, state and federal court such legal filings, motions and answers as may be necessary and appropriate.
    
  • Manage and oversee all University tort litigation where the University, or any of its constituent units, is a party or defendant.
    
  • Consult with University stakeholders and affiliated state and municipal partners on addressing and assisting in the negotiation of external settlements with respect to claims against the University, its officers, directors and trustees.
    
  • Provide excellent client service both to internal and external University clients.
    
  • Lead settlement negotiations with plaintiff attorneys within assigned authority levels within OGC on all civil litigation matters, direct further action regarding litigation, settlements or appeals, and direct the use of surveillance, outside expert opinions and physical examinations.
    
  • Establish and communicate briefs, advisory and guidance materials for university leadership and stakeholders involving matters of complex civil litigation.
    
  • Advise the Chancellery, University leaders and the Board of Trustees on litigation status, preventive measures, and case analysis.
    
  • Serve on the OGC Leadership Cabinet, coordinating responses to civil litigation matters across the University, drafting policies, and identifying potential litigation risks.
    
    NOTE :
    
    • 
      
    • Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
      
    • The incumbent is expected to travel to college campuses and courts, as needed.
      
      QUALIFICATIONS
      Minimum:
      
      • 
        
      • Juris Doctor Degree and 10 years' related experience as a practicing attorney required, including experience in university, law firm, government or non-profit organization.
        
      • Current New York State Bar membership in good standing required, or admission in another jurisdiction with eligibility for admission to the NYS Bar through reciprocity or passing of the NYS Bar exam within one (1) year of hire date.
        
        Preferred:
        The ideal attorney will bring at least 15 years of progressive civil litigation experience to the role, including extensive trial and/or trial preparation, discovery and motion practice experience, and will have experience in representing institutions of higher education and working with government agencies, as well as direct experience in collaborating with and coordinating teams of attorneys, both internally and externally.
        
        • 
          
        • Extensive experience in complex civil litigation, with a command of the New York State f civil procedures, interpreting laws and organizational regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines in a complex regulatory environment.
          
        • Demonstrated leadership in supervising legal teams and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
          
        • High proficiency in standard office programs (MS Office Suite of products), legal software (Westlaw, Lexis), and document management software (NetDocuments, Salesforce, etc.).
          
        • Exceptional interpersonal communication, public presentation skills, writing, along with strong negotiation, mediation, conflict/dispute resolution, group facilitation, client counseling and presentation skills.
          
        • Detail-oriented and accurate with exceptional critical analysis, research and evaluation skills.
          
        • Strong work ethic, character and personal integrity to work with the utmost professionalism, confidentiality and diplomacy.
          
        • Proactive and flexible with ability to take initiative, exercise discretion and tact, use sound judgment to give advice, make decisions, and draw valid conclusions.
          
        • Strong organizational skills with ability to establish plans, manage a large and varied workload of assignments with conflicting priorities, follow up and complete work by prescribed deadlines.
          
        • Ability to produce results as an individual contributor and as a team member by working effectively, collaboratively, and cooperatively with diverse stakeholders, constituents, and clients of various levels.
          
        • Commitment to public service, service excellence, inclusion, equity and professional integrity to manage sensitive work, exercise sound judgment, with ability to thrive in a demanding, multi-faceted, and time-sensitive office.
          
          CUNY TITLE
          University Administrator
          COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
          This position is in the University's Executive Compensation Plan. The salary range is $160,000 - $170,000 , commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.
          CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.
          HOW TO APPLY
          For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.
          The direct link to the job opening from external sources is:
          https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=29289&PostingSeq=1
          Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings
          CLOSING DATE
          November 15, 2024.
          JOB SEARCH CATEGORY
          CUNY Job Posting: Executive
          EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
          CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
          Job ID
          29289
          Location
          Central Office
          #J-18808-Ljbffr

Keywords: City University of New York, Hicksville , University Executive Counsel and Special Litigation Counsel, Legal , New York, New York