Legal Specialist

Legal Specialist

Be a Tar Heel! A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit The Office of University Counsel represents the University, which entails providing legal advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, the administration, faculty, and staff on legal matters involving or affecting the institution. We advise University administration on a broad range of initiatives, issues, and policy matters, and serve as a liaison between the University and its related and affiliated entities on legal and policy issues. We also assist with program implementation and provide legal and policy training for internal University audiences and educational programs for legal audiences and general audiences outside the institution on matters affecting the University and higher education in general. We engage in crisis and opportunity management and preventative counseling, including the identification of high-risk activities and enterprises conducted by the University and the articulation of methodologies or strategies for addressing such risks. Our Office is responsible for selecting and supervising any outside counsel engaged by the institution. We are committed to understanding the goals and upholding the mission and values of Carolina's vibrant campus community.

Position Summary The Legal Specialist will manage a wide variety of transactional legal projects including (a) drafting and negotiating contracts and other documents, including template-based contracts, such as non-disclosure agreements, speaker engagement agreements, facilities use agreements, liability waivers and releases, sponsored research agreements, clinical and non-clinical affiliation agreements, leases, and agreements for the purchase of goods and services; (b) coordinating with various offices on campus, including units within the Division of Finance and Operations, the Office of Sponsored Programs, and Procurement Services with regard to transactional matters; © leading and/or providing support to OUC transactional attorneys on complex negotiations and transactions; and (d) assisting with compliance matters related to the University's associated entities. Among the duties to be assigned to the Legal Specialist will be: drafting contracts and other documents; negotiating terms of contracts with outside entities; coordinating effectively the contracts review and routing process with faculty, departmental administrators, and other University administrative offices; researching contractual issues with or without attorney guidance; acquiring and maintaining knowledge of relevant laws and regulations and University policies and guidelines; client interviews; and creating and maintaining quality, accessible information databases and systems for management of high-volume projects. Fulfilling the duties of this position requires strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; excellent research and writing skills; good judgment, level-headedness, and discretion; initiative, intellectual curiosity, and tenacity; an aptitude for building positive working relationships at all levels; the ability to juggle shifting priorities and multiple projects; attention to detail; excellent follow-through; self-motivation; excellent oral and written communication skills; the ability to work independently; and the desire to be fully engaged in the work and to approach it with energy and passion.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Graduation from an accredited school of law. Some positions may require a license to practice law in the State of North Carolina.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school is required. Demonstrated ability to draft, review, negotiate, and interpret contracts and other legal documents with a high degree of accuracy and sound judgment. Strong knowledge of legal research methods and the ability to analyze statutes, regulations, policies, and contract terms and apply them to routine and moderately complex matters. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to advise clients clearly and professionally and to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external counterparties. Ability to manage a high volume of matters independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and maintain strong attention to detail and follow-through. Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in handling sensitive or confidential matters. Strong client-service orientation and the ability to build productive working relationships across a large, decentralized organization.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Licensed to practice law in North Carolina, or eligible to become licensed in North Carolina within a reasonable period after hire. Experience handling transactional matters in a law firm, in-house legal department, university, or other public-sector setting. Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of commercial, academic, research, or service agreements. Experience reviewing software agreements, or agreements related to information technology or the exchange of data. Familiarity with public contracting, higher education legal issues, or the laws and regulations applicable to public universities is strongly preferred.