Associate General Counsel (CUIMC)

Position Summary

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) currently consists of 16 attorneys working collaboratively to provide a full range of legal services to Columbia University.  OGC is seeking an attorney to work primarily on employment related issues in connection with Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC).  CUIMC is one of the nation’s largest academic medical centers, and includes the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, School of Dental Medicine, Mailman School of Public Health and School of Nursing.  Experience in employment law is required. The ideal candidate would also have experience in a university or hospital setting or background in healthcare law.  The Assistant/Associate title and salary will be commensurate with level of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and counsel to the General Counsel and CUIMC clients on a wide range of faculty and other employee matters; Be responsible for employment related litigation and pre-litigation matters including: Support internal investigations and audits, Review and answer/direct subpoenas, and Participate in, oversee and provide guidance on mediation, arbitration, grievances and disciplinary actions, and collective bargaining;

Develop litigation strategy and oversee outside counsel in litigation matters; Respond to inquiries on regulatory matters and advise on and support compliance activities; Develop, draft and interpret University policies including those related to CUIMC’s faculty and staff; Prepare documents and review/negotiate agreements; and Support all University related legal efforts as needed.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

Education:

A Juris Doctor degree from a nationally recognized law school with excellent academic credentials in law school and in undergraduate studies.

Required:

• Five plus years of practice experience at law firm, government agency and/or in-house experience in advising and counseling clients with employment matters (Assistant/Associate title will be commensurate with level of relevant experience); Higher Education, academic medical center, hospital and/or other in-house experience a plus; Knowledge of relevant federal, state and local employment law and familiarity in all areas of EEO and employment-related compliance regimes a plus;

• Ability to analyze complex situations and react appropriately; Ability to exercise sound judgment after researching and interpreting relevant facts; Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines; Ability to supervise outside counsel in a cost-effective manner; Ability to work with minimal supervision and to handle multiple high priority tasks simultaneously; Excellent drafting skills; Confidence and judgment necessary to act pragmatically; High level of intellectual curiosity; Ability and desire to function collaboratively; Openness to growth and learning in a team environment, consistent with the goals and principles that guide the General Counsel’s Office; Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate easily with colleagues and internal clients; and Must be admitted to the New York State Bar or admitted within one year of hire.