046345
Position Title
Vice President and General
Counsel
Number of Vacancies
1
School/College/Division/Institutes/Centers
31 – Executive Office of the President
Primary Department
H3102-Office of
President
Working Conditions
WittKieffer is assisting Wayne State University in this search. For fullest
consideration, candidate materials should be received by April 29.
Applications received after this date may be considered at the
discretion of the Search Committee.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal: https://candidateportal.wittkieffer.com/login?returnUrl=%2Fdescription%3FjobID%3DXXXXX
Nominations and
inquiries can be directed to:
Werner Boel and Luis Bertot
Wayne State University requires all students,
faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at:
WSU Covid-19 Website
Essential Functions (Job Duties)
JOB PURPOSE:
The Vice President
and General Counsel is a University officer with broad responsibilities and is responsible, under the administrative direction of the
President, to provide legal counsel and legal service to the Board of Governors, the President and other University officers, and other
University employees acting on behalf of the University. Oversees and manages the provision of all legal services to the institution to
ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law. Provides strategic
guidance, consultation, and support to senior University administrators and other members of upper management on a comprehensive range of
legal and associated issues involved in carrying out the mission of the institution.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Responsible for
providing legal representation, advice, counsel, and opinions in all areas of law affecting the University, including student and faculty
affairs, academic programs, promotion and tenure, intercollegiate athletics, research compliance, trademark licensing, intellectual
property, technology transfer, regulatory compliance, privacy law, real estate, open records, all aspects of employment law, important legal
documents and agreements, and University policies and procedures.
Directs operations in the General Counsel’s office which includes
attorneys, clerks, and clerical staff. Oversees the operations of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX. In meeting these
responsibilities, General Counsel assigns legal matters, consults about and reviews work of staff as necessary, supervises and monitors
caseload, performance human resource and fiscal management of its operating and external legal counsel budgets.
Appoints and
supervises outside counsel who are needed to handle the University’s legal matters. On a continuing basis, General Counsel oversees
relations with outside counsel who handle University intellectual property matters, workmen’s compensation, and bond issuance. General
Counsel also consults with, refers matters to and supervises counsel representing Wayne State University though the Michigan Universities
Self Insurance Corporation. On a periodic basis, as necessary, General Counsel appoints, in consultation with the President, additional
counsel to handle other legal matters. General Counsel develops and oversees procedures for monitoring the work and cost of outside
counsel.
Develops programs in “preventive law” to train University administrators and managers on how to seek legal advice, avoid
legal problems, and conduct their responsibilities in the event of legal challenge or litigation.
Works closely with Human Resources
and provides legal advice on all aspects of employee and labor relations, including contact negotiations and collective bargaining contract
interpretation as needed or requested. With respect to arbitration proceedings, General Counsel represents the University in matters under
the faculty’s collective bargaining agreement and works with the staff of the Labor Relations office with respect to matters under other
collective bargaining contracts.
Prepares necessary reports on the University’s litigation status and potential liabilities for
purposes of the annual independent audit.
Unique Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CONT’D:
Develops and
maintains the Wayne State University Code Annotated, working with the Secretary of the Board of Governors and the President’s office to
codify and publish actions and policies adopted by the Board of Governors. Represent the University in the Legal Officers Council of the
President Council of State Universities and in relations with general counsel of other universities on legal issues or litigation of joint
concern. Act as the University’s liaison to the legal affairs offices and committees of national associations of which the University is a
member, such as the American Council on Education and the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. Also
represents the University in such other organizations or associations as may be designated by the President.
As a University officer,
serves on the President’s Cabinet, the President’s Affirmative Action Council, and other statutory or chartered bodies which provide for
representation of the legal department and may be asked to serve on other University committees, task forces, or deliberative
bodies.
Performs other related duties as assigned. Undertake such other responsibilities as may be delegated by the President or the
Board of Governors.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Doctorate
degree
An LL.B. or J.D. degree from an accredited law school is required.
Admission to the Michigan bar is highly desirable;
eligibility for admission and admission to the Michigan bar are mandatory.
Experience:
Fifteen years of diversified legal
experience, including contracts, personal injury, corporations, and labor relations, is desirable. Substantial litigation experience is
mandatory. Experience in higher education, university, or municipal law is desirable.
An extensive record of legal practice
experience in a relevant area, having attained a senior position of responsibility in a university, firm, corporation, government agency, or
other organization.
Senior level experience at a large educational, non-profit, for-profit, or governmental organization, or
equivalent role as outside counsel, is preferred.
Significant experience in supervising the work of other lawyers or
professionals.
Significant experience in higher education legal matters or representation of colleges or
universities.
Management experience in a law office or elsewhere is desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Strong management skills are essential.
Excellent oral and/or written presentation
skills are essential.
Ability to work collaboratively and as a facilitator with other university officers, through formal and
informal channels, to resolve problems and conflicts.
Ability to provide competent legal advice and counsel to senior university
officials on a wide range of legal and policy issues.
Knowledge of the range of applicable laws and regulations which impact on all
facets of university policy and operations.
Knowledge of current and developing legal issues and trends in area of
expertise.
Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of legal professionals, paraprofessionals, and consultants.
Ability to
foster a cooperative work environment.
Knowledge of the principles and procedures of legal research.
Knowledge and
understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment within which they operate.
Knowledge of
contract law.
Knowledge of legal documentation procedures and requirements.
Ability to develop and implement legal strategies
and solutions.
Knowledge of faculty and/or staff hiring procedures.
Instructions for submitting your
application
WittKieffer is assisting Wayne State University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate
materials should be received by April 29.
Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the Search
Committee.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal: https://candidateportal.wittkieffer.com/login?returnUrl=%2Fdescription%3FjobID%3DXXXXX
Nominations and
inquiries can be directed to:
Werner Boel and Luis Bertot
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