Associate Vice Chancellor and Senior Litigation Counsel

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Office of University Counsel represents the University, which entails providing legal advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, the administration, faculty, and staff on legal matters involving or affecting the institution. We advise the University administration on a broad range of initiatives, issues, and policy matters, and serve as a liaison between the University and its related and affiliated entities on legal and policy issues. We also assist with program implementation and provide legal and policy training for internal University audiences and educational programs for legal audiences and general audiences outside the institution on matters affecting the University and higher education in general. We engage in crisis and opportunity management and preventative counseling, including the identification of high-risk activities and enterprises conducted by the University and the articulation of methodologies or strategies for coping with the risks. Our Office is responsible for selecting and supervising any outside counsel engaged by the institution. In all our work, we are committed to understanding the goals and upholding the values of Carolina's campus community.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office and University policy. UNC-Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

This position leads, coordinates, and supervises all aspects of litigation for the University, including internal investigations, administrative proceedings, federal and state regulatory enforcement risk mitigation and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act and the Public Records Act. The role also requires preventive work to avoid litigation, and/or regulatory enforcement. This role oversees the application of the University's electronic discovery platform and provides strategic legal counsel on high-profile and emerging legal issues.

The role includes serving as a leader, mentor, advisor, and supervisor for attorneys and paralegals to handle these responsibilities, while maintaining a high level of client service in litigation matters.

Responsibilities

Litigation Expertise and Leadership:

- Manage all phases of litigation. Mitigate the University's litigation exposure both before and after litigation is filed. Manage internal processes, including intake, tracking, and reporting systems and provide strategic oversight for growth and improvement as needed.

- Manage all phases of internal hearing processes, including the presentation of the University's case in faculty hearings.

- Provide legal advice and counsel to University clients.

- Identify, select, and manage outside counsel.

- Manage litigation counsel and oversee work performed by all counsel and paralegals that may impact the legal reserves of the University

- Forecast litigation risks and exposure for senior leadership at regular intervals.

- Advise colleagues within the office on pre-litigation matters to assure that the University is appropriately considering litigation risk and mitigation in issues arising from other practice areas (e.g., transactions, employment and student matters).

- Coordinate with the UNC System Office and the North Carolina Attorney General's Office with respect to ongoing litigation matters.

E-Discovery and Document Management:

- Develop and guide a robust document preservation, review, and production system.

- Expand system functionality to support other University offices and UNC System institutions.

- Leverage AI tools to reduce litigation costs and improve operational efficiency.

Artificial Intelligence and Legal Innovation:

- Lead legal engagement with large language models and AI technologies.

- Evaluate legal implications and advise on responsible implementation across the University and UNC System.

Strategic Legal Advisor:

- Advise senior leadership and the Board of Trustees on nationally significant legal matters including, but not limited to, admissions, academic integrity, and accreditation. Attend and report to the Board of Trustees on pending University litigation.

- Become expert in all System and University Code/Policy/Memoranda that affect the proper governance approvals for litigation and other appropriate matters.

Antitrust Practice and Mentorship:

- Lead the University's antitrust legal practice.

- Provide strategic guidance, client education, and compliance oversight.

- Serve as a legal consultant and mentor to other UNC System institutions.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree (or foreign equivalent) with 3+ years of related professional experience; or a relevant Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of experience.

Law degree from an accredited institution.

Member in good standing of the North Carolina Bar or eligible within one year of hire.

Minimum of five years of experience as an attorney in a higher education setting focused on litigation.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.