Staff Attorney, Public Records & Student Affairs Practice

University of Maryland; College Park (MD); Hybrid; USD 131,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework up to 2 days per week

Job summary

The University of Maryland, College Park seeks a Staff Attorney to join the Office of General Counsel. You will provide legal counsel on MPIA/public records and support student affairs matters, including records/privacy, housing, student organizations, and compliance with federal and state law.

The role requires JD, bar admission, 2 years' experience, and Maryland bar eligibility within 12 months. Travel to main campus and off-site meetings may be required; telework up to two days per week is

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Admission to a state or DC Bar, and eligibility for Maryland Bar within 12 months of hire.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to multitask and provide excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on MPIA/public records matters and support processing, reviewing, and responding to requests.
• Advise on student records/privacy, housing, student organizations, minors on campus, and related policies; conduct legal research.
• Represent the University before the Public Information Compliance Board and in Ombuds mediations; interact with external counsel and government entities.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Multitasking

Customer service

Confidentiality

Diplomacy and conflict resolution

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Staff Attorney ("SA") will serve as a member of the Office of General Counsel ("OGC"), the in-house office that provides legal advice, support, and guidance to the University of Maryland, College Park ("University"). The SA will primarily provide legal counsel and support on matters involving the Maryland Public Information Act ("MPIA") and fulfill the University's public records obligations. The SA will work under the guidance of the Senior Associate General Counsel & Public Records Officer and will assist with the processing, review and response to public records requests; perform legal and factual research; and draft & review related correspondence and legal documents. The SA will advise University clients regarding public records compliance and represent the University in matters before the Public Information Compliance Board and in Public Information Ombuds mediations. The SA will communicate and collaborate with University clients, outside counsel, government entities, and other third parties on public records matters.

The SA will also provide legal counsel and support on a broad range of matters within the Student Affairs Practice. These matters may include student records and privacy, housing and residence life, student organizations, minors on campus, public safety, administrative complaints, tort claims, court orders & subpoenas, and other matters affecting the University's student population and operations. The SA will conduct legal research, advise clients on applicable laws and regulations, and assist with the development and implementation of institutional policies and procedures. The position may also participate in grievance hearings and other administrative proceedings and serve on internal or external committees and advisory boards. The SA will provide additional legal services to University clients as directed by the Vice President and General Counsel ("VP-GC"), Deputy General Counsel ("DGC"), or Senior Associate General Counsel & Public Records Officer.

Physical Demands: Sedentary work. Exerting up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amounts of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Ability to travel to main campus and off-site meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school.

Experience: Two (2) years of progressively responsible legal experience.

OTHER: Admission to a state or DC Bar, and eligibility for admission to the Maryland Bar within twelve (12) months of hire.

Knowledge of federal and state applicable laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products. Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.

Additional Job Details

Preferences

• Minimum of three years of legal experience as a licensed attorney.
• Outstanding writing, verbal, interpersonal and research skills.
• Ability to organize information in a concise, logical and analytical manner and develop recommendations that involve subtle and sophisticated judgments.
• Demonstrated ability to perform legal research involving federal, state and administrative statutes, regulations and case law.
• Ability to think strategically, solve problems creatively, and provide actionable advice.
• Strong proficiency using Microsoft Office and Google Workspace suite of applications, specifically Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; Gmail and Google Docs & Calendar.
• Experience working in a university administration in either a legal office or another administrative office, in a government legal position, or in a law firm representing university or other public clients.
• Experience working with the MPIA.
• Experience reviewing/redacting a significant volume of records.
• Existing membership in the Maryland Bar.
• Working knowledge of Maryland laws, policies and processes.
• The University seeks an individual with excellent organizational, planning, problem solving and interpersonal skills who has the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with University faculty and staff, citizens and members of the media seeking records. The successful candidate has the ability to use discretion and good judgment, work under multiple, firm deadlines, interact courteously and professionally with all constituencies and maintain strict confidentiality regarding all OGC matters. They will be able to take direction and initiative while working efficiently in a high volume, deadline-driven environment and ascribe to highest standards of honesty, quality and integrity. They will serve as a technical expert and advisor, using diplomacy and conflict-resolution skills. They will act with decisiveness and with an appropriate sense of urgency.

Additional Information

The Office of General Counsel supports flexible work arrangements and, for eligible positions, permits up to two days of telework per week, subject to operational needs and approval in accordance with University of Maryland telework guidelines.

Required Application Materials

Resume, Cover Letter, List of Three (3) Professional References

Best Consideration Date

November 3, 2026

Posting Close Date

N/A

Open Until Filled

Yes

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

PRES-Office of General Counsel

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$130,800 - $156,960

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground checkinformation. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.