Associate Attorney V

Nova Southeastern University; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waiver

Retirement plan

Medical and dental coverage

Wellness programs

Job summary

Nova Southeastern University is seeking an Associate Attorney V to provide strategic legal counsel on higher education matters. This role involves managing litigation, advising on compliance, and collaborating with University leaders. The ideal candidate will have over eight years of legal practice, strong litigation experience, and an active law license in Florida.

As a member of a collaborative legal affairs team, the successful candidate will work in a dynamic environment that supports NSU's mission of excellence. Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight (8) years of legal practice experience, including significant trial experience.
• Active license to practice law in the State of Florida and the Federal Court for the Southern District of Florida.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters professionally and confidentially.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on higher education matters.
• Manage litigation, mediation, and administrative actions.
• Draft legal documents and advise on compliance regulations.
• Conduct legal training sessions for faculty and staff.

Skills

Litigation

Mediation

Legal writing

Research

Education

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Associate Attorney V – Higher Education & Litigation

At Nova Southwestern University, we’re looking for an experienced legal professional who is passionate about higher education, litigation strategy, and institutional compliance. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative legal affairs team supporting one of the nation’s leading private research universities.

Why Join NSU?

Founded in 1964, Nova Southeast University is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit university known for innovation, academic excellence, and a mission-driven culture. NSU offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package including tuition waiver, retirement plan, medical and dental coverage, wellness programs, and more.

About the Role

The Associate Attorney V serves as a key legal advisor to the University, providing strategic counsel on a wide range of higher education matters, including employment law, student affairs, litigation, compliance, governance, and institutional risk management. This role partners closely with University leadership, Human Resources, academic departments, and outside counsel to protect and support the University’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on higher education matters, including student affairs, faculty affairs, governance, and regulatory compliance
• Manage litigation, mediation, arbitration, subpoenas, and administrative actions from inception through resolution
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, contracts, policies, settlement agreements, and legal guidance documents
• Advise on compliance with Title IX, ADA, FERPA, Clery Act, and related federal and state regulations
• Partner with Human Resources on workplace investigations, employee relations matters, and disciplinary actions
• Develop legal strategies that reduce institutional risk and support effective governance
• Conduct legal training sessions for faculty, staff, and University leadership
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and outside counsel on complex legal matters

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in the State of Florida and the Federal Court for the Southern District of Florida
• Minimum of eight (8) years of legal practice experience, including significant trial experience in federal and state courts
• Strong litigation, mediation, arbitration, research, and legal writing experience
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality

Preferred

• Prior in-house counsel experience in higher education
• Experience managing outside counsel
• Knowledge of emerging issues and best practices in higher education law

What Makes You Successful

We’re seeking a collaborative, strategic, and solutions-oriented attorney who can balance legal risk with institutional priorities. The ideal candidate is confident navigating sensitive matters, building relationships across diverse campus units, and advising leadership with professionalism and sound judgment.

Location & Schedule

This position is based in South Florida and may require occasional evening, weekend, or overnight travel as needed.

Apply Today

NSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.