Assistant Attorney

The University of Texas at Arlington; Arlington (TX); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Arlington is seeking a versatile legal professional to join its General Counsel team. The role provides broad services in employment, contracts, governance, privacy, and more, supporting university operations across diverse areas.

Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, you will negotiate contracts, develop policies, and provide timely legal counsel to campus departments. A hybrid work environment, strong ethics, and excellent communication are essential for success at

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from ABA-accredited school and Texas Bar membership.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication.
• Foundational knowledge of contracting principles and risk assessment.
• Professional demeanor and discretion when handling sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Assist Administrators with contract proposals, strategy, and legal review of terms.
• Lead development and review of university-wide policies, aligned with laws.
• Provide legal counsel to university departments on higher education issues.
• Provide informal training on legal concepts to internal stakeholders.
• Serve on University committees as needed.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Policy development

Legal counsel

Research

Written communication

Time management

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctorate (ABA-accredited)

Tools

LexisNexis

MS Office

Job description

Salary

The annual salary for this position ranges from $92,100 to $95,000. The final offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.

Salary

The annual salary for this position ranges from $92,100 to $95,000. The final offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required

• Resume
• Cover letter
• References (minimum of three)

Purpose of Position

Under the supervision/oversight of the Chief Legal Officer, this position functions as a generalist, providing services in a variety of subject areas, including employment, contracts, student issues, governance, constitutional law, civil rights, policy development and review, open records, privacy, law enforcement, litigation, risk management, tax, tort, public-private partnerships, employee benefits, athletics, construction, real estate, intellectual property, information technology, information security, healthcare, immigration, and ethics/conflicts of interest.

Essential Functions

• Independent Contract Negotiation: Effectively assist University Administrators in the development of specific contract proposals and/or agreements, an appropriate overall contract strategy, and/or legal review of the applicable terms/conditions.
• Policy Stewardship: Lead the development and review of university-wide policies, ensuring alignment with state and federal legislative changes.
• General Legal Advice: Provide legal counsel to University departments on issues pertaining to higher education.
• Stakeholder Training: Provide informal training to internal stakeholders on legal concepts relevant to higher education, including privacy, government contract principles, and limitation of liability principles.
• Committee Service: participate in University collaborative committees as needed.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited school of law and active Texas State Bar membership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a university/college setting.
• Experience working on government or state agency contracts.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Foundational knowledge of contracting principles, including contract development, drafting, revision, interpretation, negotiation, risk assessment, formation, and administration.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, accurate, timely information to internal and external audiences.
• Excellent judgment, attention to detail, confidentiality, and discretion when handling sensitive and legally privileged information.
• Professional, positive, flexible, and collegial demeanor, including the ability to work effectively with difficult or demanding individuals and maintain cooperative relationships across the University.
• Proficiency in computer and web research, including Microsoft Office, database applications, LexisNexis, and similar tools.
• Strong organization, planning, analytical, problem-solving, prioritization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and consistently complete tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others to achieve common goals.
• Ability to consistently and reliably respond to voicemails, emails, and other correspondence in a timely manner.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday; 8:00am through 5:00pm.
• Requires occasional evening or weekend hours.
• Hybrid work environment (remote & office).

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

Benefits Information

Position is benefit eligible:

Yes

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees at the University.

https://www.uta.edu/hr/employee-benefits

PreEmployment Background Check

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a pre employment background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.

This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA 48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.

University Information

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.

UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community.

This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations

The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email [e-mail] .