Assistant Counsel

CU System; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 132,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Tuition benefit

RTD EcoPass

Free onsite parking

Job summary

CU System in Boulder seeks an Assistant Counsel to provide legal advice to the University of Colorado Boulder and the system administration. This role reports to the Managing Associate University Counsel and operates on a hybrid schedule, with some days remote and others in the Boulder office.

The candidate must hold a Juris Doctorate, be licensed in Colorado or eligible for prompt licensure, and have at least four years of legal experience.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from ABA-accredited law school.
• Four years of legal practice.
• Colorado bar license or ability to obtain promptly after offer.
• Ethical conduct and professional integrity.

Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge of University policies, state and federal law, and government regulations.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, business transactions, and other legal agreements.
• Review, draft, and provide advice on campus and system-wide policies and procedures.
• Provide legal advice related to records requests, subpoenas, and court orders directed to the University and its employees.
• Provide holistic legal advising to Boulder campus operations and collaborate with university counsel team.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Contract review

Regulatory compliance

Open records

FERPA knowledge

Communication

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Licensed in Colorado

Job description

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.

By joining our team, you'll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado's system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU's campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you're passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.

Position Summary

University Counsel has a dual report to the Board of Regents and the President of the University and includes several legal functions that provide an array of services to the University of Colorado system. The Office of the University Counsel provides legal advice to the Board of Regents, the president, system administration and the campuses.

The Assistant Counsel is a member of the professional staff of the University of Colorado's (CU) Office of University Counsel. This position is located on the Boulder campus and provides legal advising, review, and analysis to the University of Colorado Boulder.

The individual in this position: (1) possesses knowledge associated with the professional practice of law; (2) performs duties that are predominantly intellectual and varied in nature, requiring creative, analytical, evaluative, interpretive, leadership, and/or critical thinking and (3) exercises discretion and independent judgment while collaborating with the managing legal counsel.

The Assistant Counsel demonstrates leadership and collaboration across all activities while working closely as part of a team to represent and advise the University. The Office of University Counsel prides itself on timely and excellent advice and assistance. The team works closely together, and the work is high volume and fast paced. The successful candidate must be able to recognize issues, propose possible solutions, follow-up, solve problems and work collaboratively in a team environment, both within the Office and with many campus partner offices.

This security-sensitive position requires a criminal background check for initial appointments or at any time determined by the position's supervisory authority to be in the best interests of the University. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is exempt from the state personnel system based upon its professional level duties and reporting relationship to an officer of the administration (principal professional subordinate) (see C.R.S. * 24-50-135(1)(a)).

The Assistant Counsel reports to the Managing Associate University Counsel and Vice Chancellor for the Boulder campus.

Where You Will Work

Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration.

This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule, working some days from home and at least two days a week in the office on the CU Boulder campus.

Please note, leadership may adjust in-office work requirements with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be implemented.

Equal Opportunity Statement

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Maintains knowledge of University policies, state and federal law, and government regulations
• Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts, business transactions, and other legal agreements
• Reviews, drafts, and provides advice on campus and system-wide policies and procedures
• Provides legal advice related to records requests, subpoenas, and court orders directed to the University and its employees
• Provides holistic legal advice and guidance to the academic, student life, business, and research operations of the Boulder campus
• Attends and participates in various campus committee meetings and provides legal advice and guidance
• Provides legal advice and representation in administrative hearings, including the Colorado State Personnel Board (SPB)
• Prepares the University's response to investigations conducted by law enforcement and regulatory entities including the SPB, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD), and the federal Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
• Provides holistic advising on legal issues concerning the University, which can include but is not limited to:
  • Federal and state laws and regulations, particularly those impacting institutions of higher education and/or pertaining to the conduct of university operations, including employment (both faculty and staff matters), students, research, athletics and immigration
  • Constitutional law issues affecting institutions of higher education including the First Amendment and free expression, due process, and Equal Protection
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Public law issues, including open records and open meetings issues
  • Corporations and corporate governance
  • University policies and procedures
  • All aspects of employment law including civil rights laws (Title VI and VII), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • On-line education and international education
  • Data and student information privacy regulations, including FERPA
  • Title IX / VAWA / Clery Act
  • Tuition Classification
  • Real Property

What We Offer

Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $131,600 - $135,000.

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate's education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position's scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

• No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
• Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
• Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
• 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
• A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
• Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
• Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Please include all relevant experience in your resume to be accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all minimum requirements at the time of application to be considered for this role.

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school
• Four (4) years practicing law
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado, or the ability to obtain a Colorado license promptly after an offer of appointment
• Record of ethical behavior

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing in-house legal services in a higher education, K-12, or state government setting
• Six (6) or more years practicing law
• Professional experience in a dynamic, collegial, team-oriented environment
• Professional experience in a high-volume, fast-paced environment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To be successful in this position a candidate will need the following:

• Knowledge of Colorado state and federal laws and regulations concerning higher education institutions.
• Exceptional customer service skills, demonstrated both internally and externally in a professional manner with discretion and confidentiality.
• Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details clearly.
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate interaction, communication, and partnering between others.
• Personable and collaborative, with significant interpersonal skills and integrity necessary to work as part of a collegial, cohesive team in a complex, fast paced, decentralized environment.
• Ability to engage in creative problem solving.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and initiatives, in some cases with short timeframes for response.
• Ability to analyze, organize, and effectively present, both orally and in writing, legal issues, opinions and recommendations to a variety of constituents.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and demonstrate flexibility to accommodate shifting priorities of multiple campus partner offices.
• Ability to build and maintain rapport and trust with a variety of internal partners and external contacts in the provision of holistic legal advising to the University.

When to Apply

For full consideration completed applications must be submitted by Monday, November 16, 2026. Reference checking is a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers, for up to five references as part of the search process for this position.

*Please note: All application materials must be submitted through CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered. *

Sponsorship Statement

We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Background Check Statement

The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

ADA Statement

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: [e-mail].