Associate Attorney V - 992761

We are excited that you are considering joining Nova Southeastern University!

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) was founded in 1964, and is a not-for-profit, independent university with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Nova Southeastern University offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including tuition waiver, retirement plan, excellent medical and dental plans and much more. NSU cares about the health and welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and is a tobacco-free university.

We appreciate your support in making NSU the preeminent place to live, work, study and grow. Thank you for your interest in a career with Nova Southeastern University.

Primary Purpose:

Provides comprehensive legal guidance to the University; oversees compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including Title IX, FERPA, and the ADA; drafts, reviews, and advises on institutional policies; addresses employment and student affairs matters; and represents the University in litigation, mediation, and arbitration, while managing institutional risk.

Job Category: Exempt

Hiring Range:  Commensurate with experience

Pay Basis:  Annually

Subject to Grant Funding? No  

Essential Job Functions: 

1. Provides legal advice on a broad range of higher education matters, including student affairs, faculty affairs, regulatory compliance, accreditation, governance, and policy development.
2. Represents the University and manages litigation, mediation, and arbitration matters from inception through resolution; conducts legal research; and handles or oversees litigation‑related activities, including administrative actions, subpoenas, and agency complaints, coordinating with outside counsel as appropriate.
3. Resolves, arbitrates, mediates, negotiates settlements, and litigates as needed student, faculty and employee claims and actions, and other university matters.
4. Works closely with General Counsel/Vice President of Legal Affairs, in-house counsel, University leadership, academic units, and administrative offices to ensure compliance with applicable laws in handling claims and actions.
5. Drafts pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests, orders, responses and all other matters related to disputes by or with the University.
6. Develops legal strategies for fair and effective handling of employee, faculty and student claims and actions.
7. Advises on compliance with federal and state regulations such as Title IX, ADA, FERPA, Clery Act, and related statutes.
8. Drafts, reviews, and negotiates settlements, pleadings, contracts, policies, and institutional agreements.
9. Conducts legal research and prepares written opinions, guidance documents, and risk assessments to inform University leadership and assists in development and review of existing University policies to support effective governance and reduce institutional risk.
10. Partners with Human Resources on employment‑related matters, including investigations, workplace disputes, and disciplinary actions.
11. Provides training to deans, faculty and staff on student and employee related matters
12. Support other legal projects as assigned.
13. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Job Requirements: 

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 1. Demonstrated experience with legal issues related to higher education, government compliance, employment law, or institutional policy.
2. Experience in civil litigation, commercial litigation, mediation and/or arbitration or specific practice areas such as higher education.
3. Experience with representation at depositions, hearings, mediations and trials in state and federal court.
4. Good knowledge of court procedures, rules of evidence, and civil procedure.
5. Ability to effectively work under pressure and manage multiple matters with multiple deadlines.
6. Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
7. Ability to handle sensitive matters with the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality.
8. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse campus units.
9. High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple transactions, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
10. Ability and willingness to travel as required, including daily or overnight travel.
11. May be required to work nights or weekends.

Required Certifications/Licensures: Active license to practice law in the State of Florida and the Federal Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Required Education: Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school

Major (if required: 

Required Experience: Eight (8) years of legal practice, including significant portion of practice in trial work in federal and state courts.

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Prior in‑house counsel experience in higher education
2. Experience managing outside counsel and overseeing and conducting litigation.
3. Knowledge of emerging issues and best practices in higher education law as it pertains to higher education.

Is this a safety sensitive position? No  

Background Screening Required?  Yes  

Pre-Employment Conditions: 

Sensitivity Disclaimer: Nova Southeastern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary.

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.