Assistant Counsel — Higher Ed Union Advocacy (Remote)

American Association of University; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Association of University Professors seeks an Assistant Counsel to support its legal department. The role offers flexible location with potential for remote work in the U.S. and periodic travel to the Washington, DC office.

You will report to the Senior Counsel and help lead litigation and policy work in higher education. The ideal candidate has a J.D., bar admission, 3–8 years of legal experience, and strong analytical, research, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission, in good standing, and license to practice in at least one jurisdiction.
• Three to eight years of legal experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to reach out to AAUP chapters and allies.
• Strong analytical and research skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
• Experience and demonstrated ability working with diverse groups and individuals.
• Computer proficiency skills—including familiarity with MS Office, PACER and Lexis.
• Working knowledge of constitutional law, higher education law, non-profit law, academic freedom, employment or labor law preferred.
• Experience working on or managing affirmative litigation preferred.
• Experience working for a labor union and with unionized employees preferred.
• Must have reliable internet connection and be available to meet between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. eastern time. Working in the AAUP’s Washington, DC, office is optional.
• This position requires a valid driver’s license and the willingness and ability to travel throughout the United States, to work long, irregular hours and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the management of AAUP litigation.
• Provide guidance and advice to AAUP leadership and AAUP chapters on utilizing labor and employment law and First Amendment rights to protect AAUP members and higher education.
• Conduct trainings, workshops, and webinars for AAUP members and chapter leaders on legal issues.
• Author and file amicus curiae briefs and other briefs and pleadings in support of AAUP’s core issues.
• Assist with the preparation and presentation of materials for management and leadership.
• Conduct legal research using Lexis, PACER and other resources and draft guidance memorandum.
• Review and analyze federal/state legislation—both proposed and existing.
• Draft articles, emails, or other materials for members or other constituencies.
• Prepare AAUP legal compliance materials, review contracts, and provide advice to AAUP management and leadership on legal compliance, governance, and labor and employment matters.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Diversity experience

MS Office proficiency

PACER

LexisNexis familiarity

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

PACER

Lexis

MS Office

Job description

The American Association of University Professors seeks an Assistant Counsel to support its legal department. The role offers flexible location with potential for remote work in the U.S. and periodic travel to the Washington, DC office.

You will report to the Senior Counsel and help lead litigation and policy work in higher education. The ideal candidate has a J.D., bar admission, 3–8 years of legal experience, and strong analytical, research, and communication skills.