Chief Legal Officer

Doctor of Jurisprudence and graduation from a law school accredited with the Association of American Law Schools

Requirements:
• Doctor of Jurisprudence and graduation from a law school accredited by the Association of American Law Schools; Admission to the Texas Bar or, for out-of-state applicants licensed in another jurisdiction, Admission Without Examination to Texas Bar within one year of hire.
• Ten years’ experience as a practicing attorney in a sophisticated environment such as a large law firm, government agency, university, or non-profit or business corporation.
• Five years’ leadership experience managing the work of attorneys and other professionals and/or in the representation of large, complex and highly decentralized organizational clients with multiple stakeholder groups.

-Experience in, or understanding of, the public sector and/or higher education environment.
-Familiarity with the University of Texas System, or comparable higher education system organization.

UTSA’s Chief Legal Officer is responsible for the management and oversight of UTSA’s broad and complex legal responsibilities, including, but not limited to, business transactions; federal, state and local regulatory matters; research compliance; athletics; employment law; litigation; intellectual property law; campus safety and security; privacy; open records under the Texas Public Information Act; and student affairs. The Chief Legal Officer is also responsible for positioning the Office of Legal Affairs to be a strategic contributor to the University and its overriding mission through ongoing collaboration with University leadership, regular engagement with University staff, training, education, and timely policy guidance.

Job Duties:
1. Provides legal counsel and representation to the University (including the President, senior leadership, faculty, and staff, in their official capacities) on the full range of UTSA legal concerns. Ensures appropriate coordination of legal counsel and services with the UT System Office of General Counsel. Direct responsibilities include:
a. Research and prepare all responses to complaints and/or lawsuits filed with state or federal agencies against the University, in coordination with the System Office of General Counsel and the Attorney General’s Office, as appropriate.
b. Assist UT System attorneys and litigation counsel with all litigation involving UTSA, including assistance with discovery, witness preparation, and all other pre-trial, trial and appeal proceedings.
c. Assist the President in responses concerning appeals, grievances, or other litigation matters filed with the President.
2. Serves as the primary point of contact on all University legal issues.
3. Serves as the primary point of legal contact and coordination between the University and local, state, and federal regulatory and law enforcement agencies, in full coordination with UT System attorneys.
4. Directs and oversees UTSA’s Office of Legal Affairs, through management of attorneys and support staff. Ensures the team’s work is efficient, goal directed, and in support of the University’s mission. Determines priorities, and assigns and manages efficient coverage of the University’s legal portfolio.
5. Serves as the primary liaison between the University and external counsel on legal matters. In coordination with UT System, develops contracts for legal services and retains and manages outside counsel on behalf of the University.
6. Proactively works with University leadership to ensure campus activities and practices are in compliance with federal and state laws and with University and System policies. Develops and maintains a robust framework of internal controls for evaluation and protection of the University’s legal interests and reduction of legal risks.
a. Provides leadership and ongoing communication/training on legal and risk management topics relevant to the University community, and regularly consults with University management to promote institutional compliance with law and policy.
b. Provides ongoing education and oversight to University staff on strategies for the reduction of risks of litigation and liability
7. Maintains leading edge expertise on current and emerging higher education legal issues and challenges. Cultivates valuable professional contacts with UT System and component peers, as well as with key higher education general counsel organizations.
8. Provides oversight to the administration of open records and records retention policies and practices in compliance with the Texas Local Government Records Act and Texas Public Information Act.

-UTSA is a tobacco-free campus.

-UTSA is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

-This is a security sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.

-Applicants who are selected for interviews must be able to show proof that they are eligible and qualified to work in the United States by time of hire.

-At the discretion of the hiring department, this position posting may be closed once a sufficient number of qualified applications has been received.