Legal Counsel – Higher Education

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Offering legal advice and risk evaluations on daily operational, administrative, and strategic issues that support the higher education system and institutional functions.

• Providing guidance on student affairs and academic issues, encompassing Title IX, student conduct, faculty matters, accessibility accommodations, and associated institutional processes.

• Assisting with compliance to federal and state higher education regulations, including FERPA, Title IV, campus safety obligations, immigration-related concerns, and other relevant regulatory frameworks.

• Advising on matters of institutional governance, including contracts, policies, and intellectual property challenges that affect academic and administrative operations.

• Conducting or facilitating investigations and advising on suitable resolution strategies, which may involve collaboration with institutional leaders and external partners as necessary.

• Aiding in negotiation and settlement initiatives and collaborating with internal stakeholders to address disputes efficiently and effectively.

⛳️ Requirements

• At least 7 years of experience in employment law and higher education law.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law institution.

• Experience in providing legal counsel and risk assessment within higher education contexts.

• Experience in supporting institutional governance, policy formulation, or decision-making in academic leadership.

• Extensive knowledge of higher education regulatory frameworks, including student affairs, academic affairs, and institutional compliance matters (e.g., Title IX, student conduct, FERPA, Title IV, campus safety, accessibility accommodations).

• Capability and readiness to obtain and maintain licensure in Illinois within an appropriate timeframe post-hire.

• Experience with litigation, administrative proceedings, or dispute resolution in higher education cases (preferred).

• Familiarity with California higher education law and regulatory standards (preferred).

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Options for voluntary benefits.

• Employer-covered life and disability insurance.

• Contributions to a retirement plan.

• Employee assistance program.

• Strong work-life balance with 20 PTO days and 11 paid holidays each year.

• Distributed workforce model allowing for remote work flexibility and a biweekly remote work stipend.

• Tuition reimbursement for qualifying external degree programs.

• Tuition waivers at participating colleges within the System.