Western Governors University - Staff Attorney
About the job
If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.
Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.
Current WGU employees must submit their internal application before 04/15/2021 to be considered for the position.**
Western Governors University seeks to fill the position of Staff Attorney in the University’s Legal Department. Reporting to senior counsel leadership, the Staff Attorney will provide a wide range of legal services to a large, nonprofit, and technically adept distance education institution. At the direction of senior counsel, the Staff Attorney will manage multiple matters concurrently to support the University’s mission to improve quality and expand access to post-secondary educational opportunities.
Job Responsibilities
Assist senior counsel with research and analysis on a wide variety of legal issues including intellectual property, student affairs, privacy, employment, regulatory compliance, and other matters impacting WGU and its affiliates
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for a variety of business transactions to align with University standards and business goals
Facilitate and manage contract enforcement activities
Engage with University leaders to identify and address risk under the supervision of senior counsel
Prepare legal and compliance training at the direction of senior counsel
Evaluate and respond to potential legal claims under the supervision of senior counsel
Timely respond to all inquiries
Perform other duties as required
Required Skills
Sound independent judgment and professional integrity
Prompt and effective research, analytical, and writing skills
Ability to build relationships and influence within the Legal Department and the University
Ability to accurately prioritize and respond to issues and requests
Ability to identify solutions that combine legal considerations with institutional needs
Ability to think creatively and offer informed opinions
Prompt development of knowledge in a wide range of legal areas
Ability to monitor and resolve multiple, concurrent matters
Required Experience
3-5 years’ experience in active legal practice
Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school
Licensed and in good standing to practice law in Utah, or admissible at the earliest opportunity (no later than 6 months from the position start date)
Preferred Qualifications
In-house counsel experience
Experience in higher education or nonprofit organizations
Understanding of federal higher education policy and industry trends