Columbia College Chicago

Assistant General Counsel

Columbia College Chicago$135K — $162K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Admission to the Illinois bar is required.
  • A law degree from an accredited institution with at least three years of legal experience.
  • Strong background in employment law for a minimum of three years.
  • Preference for experience in higher education law.
  • Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills to support legal counsel.

Responsibilities

  • Advise on employment designations and compensation matters.
  • Manage internal investigations and administrative hearings.
  • Provide guidance on employee discipline and termination processes.
  • Collaborate closely with Human Resources on employment issues.
  • Oversee litigation managed by outside legal counsel.
  • Counsel on business transactions and negotiate agreements.
  • Advise on intellectual property and privacy laws affecting the institution.

Benefits

  • Affordable health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
  • Flexible spending accounts and commuter benefits.
  • Generous paid and unpaid leave options.
  • Work/life balance benefits and educational assistance programs.
  • Retirement and financial planning support.
Full Job Description
Description

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications, and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.

Columbia College Chicago is a private urban institution of approximately 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for an ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel represents the college and will provide legal advice in a variety of areas, with a primary emphasis on employment law. The position is currently permitted to work remotely two days per week.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Advise on employee designation and pay-related matters.
  • Provide advice on and manage internal investigations and administrative hearings.
  • Advise regarding employee discipline and discharge.
  • Day-to-day counselling on employment issues; work closely with Human Resources colleagues, as well as other members of the college community.
  • Supervise employment-related litigation managed by outside counsel.
  • Counsel college clients on business transactions.
  • Negotiate and draft agreements.
  • Advise on intellectual property, student affairs, privacy, and other areas of law affecting higher education.
  • Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities, as assigned or required.


Qualifications

  • Admission to the Illinois bar.
  • A law degree from an accredited law school, a record of academic success, and a minimum of three years of experience practicing law.
  • Prior employment law experience of at least three years.
  • Prior higher education law experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Initiative, intellectual curiosity, and tenacity.
  • Excellent research, writing, drafting, negotiation, and client counseling skills.
  • Knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Effective team member; collegial and able to build positive working relationships.
  • Ability to juggle shifting priorities and multiple projects, excellent follow-through.
  • Creativity, common sense, good judgment, level-headedness.
  • High ethical standards and keen sense of integrity.
  • Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Willingness to cross-train and learn new areas of the law.


This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.

Position Minimum Hourly Rate or Annual Salary: $135,000.00

Position Maximum Hourly Rate or Annual Salary: $162,000.00

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including department budget.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement, and real-world experiences.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Position subject to a background screening
  • This is a non- union position
  • This is a full-time position
  • This position is overtime ineligible


Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

About Columbia College Chicago

Columbia College Chicago is a private, nonprofit college that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts, media, and communications. The college was founded in 1890 and is located in Chicago, Illinois. Columbia College Chicago has a diverse student body and offers a range of programs in areas such as film and video, graphic design, journalism, music, and theatre. The college is known for its strong focus on experiential learning and its commitment to preparing students for careers in the creative industries. Columbia College Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Learn more about Columbia College Chicago
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