Assistant/Associate University Counsel (Hybrid)
- Hybrid
The University of Illinois System seeks highly skilled and experienced attorneys to join the Office of University Counsel as Assistant and/or Associate University Counsel. Assistant and Associate University Counsels are vital members of the in-house legal team at the University of Illinois, serving in the Counsel's office at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Under the direction of the Campus Legal Counsel in Urbana-Champaign, the Assistant/Associate University Counsel will have primary responsibility for the management of numerous and varied legal matters and will provide timely and effective advice and counsel to various University units and personnel. The successful candidate must be capable of working independently while remaining integrated within a dynamic team, be an excellent communicator and be willing to develop new areas of sub-specialty as needs may arise. The successful candidate will have demonstrated excellent judgment, collegiality, and multi-tasking skills. Designation as an Assistant or Associate University Counsel is dependent on experience and qualifications. Subject matter responsibilities will be general in nature and may depend on the qualifications of the candidate. Areas in which the successful candidate may practice include federal regulatory issues, compliance, research, privacy and transparency, procurement, complex transactions, international activities, governance, and risk management, and other matters as assigned.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provide legal advice on a wide variety of issues that arise at a large public research university under the general supervision of the Campus Legal Counsel;
2. Act as attorney for the University on a diverse range of legal subject matters, including serving as a generalist working in multiple areas of law and policy and as a specialist by developing skills related to specific and unique areas of law;
3. Serve as point of contact for various units on behalf of the Office of University Counsel and represent the Office in a manner that promotes professionalism, collegiality, collaboration, confidence and mutual respect;
4. Recognize issues that may require use of outside legal expertise and work with Campus Legal Counsel and other personnel to retain and supervise legal services vendors in a manner that maximizes efficiency, effectiveness and fiscal prudence;
5. Anticipate potential legal issues and exercise reliable and well-reasoned judgment to provide advice and counsel in a manner that fosters sound decision-making;
6. Keep colleagues and leadership, including Campus Legal Counsel, Deputy University Counsel and University Counsel, apprised of matters that may be a significant risk to the university or of significant interest to the Board of Trustees and/or senior administrators;
7. Perform other professional functions associated with the provision of legal advice and services as directed, including serving on or providing counsel to various University committees and task forces.
8. Particular to Associate Counsel: Support enterprise leadership in fostering team building and mentoring of less senior attorneys and staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must possess a law degree from an American Bar Association accredited Law School and be
licensed and in good standing to practice law in State of Illinois, or eligible for admission to practice within
six months of employment.
Preferred Experience:
Minimum of five (5) years of legal experience working within a federal government unit or serving as legal
counsel for a federal government unit.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
1. Licensed attorney with demonstrable developing legal skills including preference for work in a university setting or other comparable in-house environment; Assistant Counsel: minimum three years of legal practice preferred; Associate Counsel: minimum five years of relevant legal practice.
2. Demonstrated success in progressive responsibilities, including attention to innovative problem solving, initiative and reliability.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with University, campus and other administrative units and personnel.
4. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
5. Ability to work independently while effectively keeping supervisors, colleagues and clients informed and engaged.
6. Excellent problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to address difficult and complex issues
7. Strong interpersonal skills demonstrating courtesy, diplomacy and a collaborative approach that reflect a commitment to effective client service.
8. Particular to Associate Counsel: Demonstrated understanding of unique and often complex decision-making dynamics associated with working in University system or similar and highly functioning inhouse counsel office.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is soon as possible. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position.
The budgeted salary range is $100,000-$145,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
System Office jobs such as this one are not eligible for the Referral Program.
Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
For full consideration, please click APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 7/30/2025.
System Human Resource Services
(217) 333-2600
erhr@uillinois.edu
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting the System Human Resource Services at 217-333-2600, or by emailing ADAaccessibility@uillinois.edu.
Requisition ID: req2623
Job Category: Academic Professional
Campus Location: Urbana