General Counsel

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Juris Doctorate Degree from a regionally accredited institution;
• A minimum of seven (7) years of legal or governmental/legislative experience;
• Must be licensed to practice law in Florida and a member in good standing with the Florida Bar;
• Must be familiar with contract law, equal opportunity law, employment law, and laws and regulations related to public higher education;
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions;
• Ability to anticipate, identify, diagnose and consult on problem areas related to legal affairs;
• Must possess expert communication skills (both verbal and written) to ensure all litigation information and instruction to staff are clear and effective;
• Must possess excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills as well as the ability to formulate strategies;
• Ability to analyze and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents as well as to respond to technical questions and/or complaints from College leadership, customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the community;
• Collaborative management and leadership style, confidence and executive presence;
• Strong commitment to the College mission and goals;
• Dedication to student, faculty and staff success;
• Creativity, initiative, judgment, and exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to be an effective decision maker and creative problem solver;
• Excellent communication skills to include written and verbal presentation skills;
• Proven resourcefulness and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Possess a valid Florida driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:         

• The College General Counsel is the chief legal officer of the College and provides executive level advice, direction, and counsel on all legal matters impacting the College in order to ensure the academic integrity, compliance, fiscal stability and continuous accreditation of the College.
• This position, through the College President and District Board of Trustees, serves as the final legal authority, provides research and opinions to the College on all legal matters impacting the College including Board policies, personnel actions, contracts and agreements, program proposals and all other items of a like nature.
• The College General Counsel directs the defense of the College against suits and/or claims.
• The responsibilities will include review and development of contracts, review and assessment of all legal risks to the College and will coordinate and manage all College related legal issues. 

 

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reports directly to the President and serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet.
• Examines issues and items within the College that have legal ramifications.
• Provide leadership and direction to all areas of responsibility including developing, reviewing, and recommending the approval of College contracts prior to final execution.
• Advise the President and the DBOT on issues and recommend changes in policies or procedures to improve the overall operation of the College.
• Accomplish the institutional objectives pertinent to his/her area of responsibility as articulated by the President and the District Board of Trustees (DBOT). 
• Advise College administrators in matters related to the employment, discipline, and discharge of College employees.
• Advise College administrators in matters related to student complaints and matters related to student discipline and Code of Conduct.
• Manage all College litigation and supervise outside counsel of the College in preparation of legal defense of all suits brought against the College.
• Represent the College, when necessary and appropriate, before external agencies in compliance reviews and complaints.
• Establish regulatory compliance framework for College-wide implementation and monitoring.
• Maintain a current knowledge of all legal, policy and regulatory matters which have or could have an impact on the College.
• Craft and review legal strategy in response to any litigation.
• Legally filing for copyright of intellectual property.
• Provide for the efficient maintenance of legal records of the College including, but not limited to, board assigned agreements, resolutions, and real estate documents.
• Maintain the official records of College policies and procedures.
• Provide training and counsel to the District Board of Trustees, Cabinet and College community on legal, procedural, and compliance inquiries.
• Assist the Office of the President with matters related to the operation and actions of the District Board of Trustees.
• Assists in the collection, organization, and preparation of legal memoranda, reports and other information as directed by the President.
• Provide assistance, advice, and counsel in the collective bargaining process as it relates to federal, state and local regulations.
• Advise Cabinet on new laws, existing laws, and legal rights that would impact functionality of the College.
• Develop standards, policies, and procedures for all functions under charge.
• Maintain custody and safekeeping of College records as designated by the College President, keep a duplicate official seal of the College, and affix the seal on all necessary papers and documents executed by the College President and on all certified copies of public records.
• Serves a coordination role of the internal and external affairs of the College relative to legal issues involving students and employees.
• Interprets and applies relevant federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory laws and regulations pertaining to College initiatives.
• Coordinates responses to subpoenas/court orders, public records and other requests.
• Represent the College with public and private organizations including local governmental organizations.
• Represent the College before local, state, and federal agencies and groups.
• Provide counsel in support of local, state, and federal legislative matters.
• Recommend for appointment, supervise, and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Executes other tasks and assignments as the President may direct.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires an ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, lift, reach up, stoop, and carry items occasionally in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds.  It also requires manual dexterity to operate standard office machines, such as, copier, fax, calculator, telephone, and other equipment as necessary. IRSC expects its employees to follow proper safety standards while employed by the College