Associate University Attorney

East Carolina University; Greenville (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

East Carolina University is seeking an Associate University Attorney to provide comprehensive legal advice and assistance to various university entities. Responsibilities include advising senior administrators, handling student discipline, and ensuring compliance with laws.

The ideal candidate will have a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school, a member of the North Carolina Bar, and at least five years of legal experience. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage complex issues are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years legal experience, preferred in regulatory compliance or academic legal support.
• Ability to handle complex educational law issues and represent university interests externally.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the General Counsel in advising senior administrators.
• Provide legal counsel on enforcement of disciplinary policies.
• Conduct legal research and advise on state and federal laws.
• Serve as liaison with external agencies.
• Contain legal knowledge through continuing education.

Skills

Legal research

Communication skills

Regulatory compliance

Negotiation

Education

J.D. from an ABA‑accredited law school

Current member of the North Carolina Bar

Job description

Associate University Attorney – Job Description

Responsible for providing comprehensive legal advice and assistance to East Carolina University, including entities such as the Chancellor, Provost, Board of Trustees, and administrative staff. Tasks include advising on university policies and procedures, employment relations, student discipline, contracts, litigation support, regulatory compliance, and external agency representation.

Responsibilities

• Assist the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsels in advising senior administrators, including the Chancellor, Provost, vice chancellors, deans, and department chairs.
• Provide legal counsel on enforcement of disciplinary standards and policies for faculty, staff, and students, including recruitment, hiring, tenure, and academic integrity matters.
• Conduct legal research, prepare opinions, and advise on state and federal laws such as FERPA, HIPAA, Title IX, Title VII, ADEA, ADA, and FMLA.
• Serve as liaison with external agencies and university systems (NC DOJ, UNC, etc.) and represent the university before regulatory bodies.
• Respond to inquiries, charges, and complaints from external regulators, conduct or assist with internal investigations, and develop evidence‑based responses.
• Review and redact public records and subpoena requests, ensuring compliance with privacy laws.
• Assist in coordinating negotiation and drafting of contracts, affiliation agreements, MOUs, and other legal documents.
• Attend university committee and Board of Trustees meetings, advising on legal matters and preparing documents.
• Maintain legal knowledge through continuing education and keep North Carolina license in good standing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA‑accredited law school.
• Current member in good standing of the North Carolina Bar or eligibility for admission within one year of hiring.
• Minimum of five (5) years legal experience; preferred experience in regulatory compliance, privacy, litigation, or in‑house academic legal support.
• Ability to handle complex educational law issues and represent university interests externally.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Licensing & Certification

None required beyond North Carolina Bar membership.

Employment Eligibility & EEO Statement

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and a culture of care. Applicants are prohibited from unlawful discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status or disability.

All final candidates are subject to criminal and sex‑offender background checks. Some vacancies may require credit or motor‑vehicle checks. ECU participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires verification of identity and employment eligibility.