Director of Student Legal Services – Student Legal Services Office

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Job location
Amherst, MA
Amherst, MA 01003
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
University of Massachusetts Amherst
ZIP: 
01003
Job type: 
Other
Position Description: 

Under the general programmatic direction of the student governance bodies and the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life, and reporting to the Dean of Students, the Director of Student Legal Services directs the legal and administrative operation of the Student Legal Services Office (SLSO).
Directs the legal and administrative operation; understands, is committed to, and supports customer-focused quality services of SLSO, including budget development and presentation and expenditure approval; hires, supervises, trains, and evaluates the job performance of SLSO attorneys and staff. In conjunction with the SLSO Advisory Committee, Student Government Association (SGA), Graduate Student Senate (GSS), Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life, and the Dean of Students, develops and implements the mission, goals, and objectives of SLSO. Participates in Student Affairs and Campus Life staff meetings and committees; may serve on various University-wide policy committees, boards, and task forces.
Serves as legal counsel to SGA, GSS, their agencies, and Registered Student Organizations; provides advice, counseling, and training on a broad range of federal and state laws and Trustee policies; drafts proposed Trustee policies, state statutes, and municipal ordinances and bylaws in areas reflecting student concerns; provides policy advocacy for purposes of promoting, opposing, or influencing legislation and/or actions of governmental officials on matters affecting the interests of students.
Provides legal assistance to students, including legal advice and counseling, referral to outside legal counsel, legal document preparation, representation, mediation, litigation, policy advocacy, and lobbying; educates students on legal rights and obligations and the legal process.
Directs and oversees affirmative legal action and education to obtain "law reform" or other relief on problems common to large numbers of students; develops and implements the community legal education program, including an internship program, newsletter, brochures, trainings, lectures, and workshops -- each with a focus on a preventive-measure approach to promote students' legal rights.
Maintains current working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of law; participates in peer review and continuing legal education; exercises independent legal judgement in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the Legal Profession. With prior approval, may serve on directly relevant nationwide and statewide policy advocacy committees, boards, and task forces.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF SALARY ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM POSITION LEVEL 32

On campus applicants are defined as Amherst campus non-student employees.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members.

Requirements: 

Qualifications:
Doctoral/terminal degree, Juris Doctor degree from an accredited institution, membership in the Massachusetts Bar (or the ability to acquire admission by the date of hire); plus, 5 years experience in the practice of law, that includes experience in law practice management, and supervisory experience.
Significant experience providing community-based legal education and advice.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends and to adjust work assignments according to programmatic and divisional needs.
Significant experience in and current knowledge of at least two of the following areas of law: housing; consumer; family; immigration; labor/employment; civil rights; criminal; (college based) student conduct proceedings; and/or, Title IX.
Hiring salary range is $75,400 - $85,500; (Normal starting salary range: $75,400 - $95,600) for this 52 week position, for 37.5 hours per week, plus benefits.

To apply: 

Please apply online to: http://umass.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=80290
Submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.
Applicants should apply by the deadline of February 10, 2017, in order to ensure consideration.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Submission deadline: 
Friday, February 10, 2017