Director Student Legal Services

Title: Director Student Legal Services

Employee Classification: Dir Student Legal Services

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Student Affairs

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Dean of Students

Department: UNT-Student Legal Services-160240

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview:

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an inclusive environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

Student Legal Services offers a wide variety of legal guidance. The goal of this office is to counsel, advise, and represent University of North Texas students. Student Legal Services may write letters, draft legal documents, represent students, or otherwise attempt to resolve legal problems. While general advice may be available, Student Legal Services does not represent students in criminal matters (including traffic tickets).

Position Overview

The Student Legal Services Director primary purpose is to assist currently enrolled UNT students who have questions or require legal advice and/or representation. This position requires a commitment to advancing the educational growth and personal development of students through providing clear and thoughtful guidance through the students' legal issues. The SLS Director position focuses on teaching students how to become self-advocates when faced with challenges to their legal or financial wellbeing.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited institution. Must be a licensed member of the State Bar of Texas with six or more years' of experience practicing law and law office management experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to exercise considerable independent and professional judgement in matters of significance. Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; of state and federal laws, regulations, and rules; and of agency administrative rules and regulations. Skill in identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and advise on solutions; in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to general and complex legal problems. Strong organizational, budgeting, and supervisory skills. Ability to manage a heavy caseload; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others. Ability to interpret, analyze and prepare legal documents; to develop and prepare policies and procedures; to conduct research; to interpret and apply laws; to summarize findings; to provide advice and counsel to students regarding their legal issues; to prepare cases for settlement, mediation, and trial; to conduct hearings; and to communicate effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Requires a Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited institution. Must be a licensed member of the State Bar of Texas, with six or more years of experience practicing law and law office managment.

Job Duties:

* Must track deadlines and keep clients apprised of the status of their cases. Weekly reviews of open and new cases ensures diligence and speedy resolution of students legal issues.
* Provide open legal clinic at least once a week to meet and consult with students who have legal issues or questions. Schedule appointments with students on an as needed basis. Provide professional and clear legal advice to students. Always treat students with courtesy and respect.
* Assign tasks to administrative coordinator and graduate assistant. Work with Administrative Coordinator and Graduate Assistant to ensure efficient and frequent communications with clients.
* Investigate case law and statutes to properly advise clients across various legal disciplines.
* Accurately update database with new information whenever action is taken
* Draft correspondence; make phone calls; negotiate claims; pursue best possible outcome on students behalf. Build relationships with constituents within and outside the university (i.e., Counseling Testing, Student Money Management, property managers at nearby student apartments) to best advocate for students.
* Understand the various resources available within and without the university. Make efficient use of these resources.
* Draft petitions and answers; amend same as necessary; draft and answer discovery; interview witnesses; prepare for trial; prepare motions for summary judgment and trial briefs; appear in court when required. May represent only in civil, not criminal, matters.
* Responsible for oversight and spending of the departmental budget, allotted annually by the Student Service Fee committed. Work with Administrative Coordinator to prepare Student Service Fee requests each year. Prepare brief presentation for the SSF committee at budget request hearings. Ensure that all spending is properly accounted through the maintenance of a spreadsheet by the Admin. Coord. Budget spending must be within university policy guidelines. If issued a PCard, must strictly follow spending guidelines established by the UNT Business Services Center and university policy.
* Participate in special events to promote awareness of the services rendered by this office. Plan educational outreach through guest speakers or presentations to student organizations. Work with student assistants, suggesting and reviewing all postings to social media as well as any special events advertising.
* Complete all mandatory university training in a timely manner, and ensure that SLS staff do the same. Responsible for requiring that employees, including student assistants, participate in Human Resource trainings as needed.
* Conduct assessments to measure the efficacy of the department, ensuring that the goals and mission of the university are addressed through the services provided by SLS. Responsible for assigning that an employee of the department attends the required assessment meetings. Work with Institutional Research and Data Analysis to update and revise assessment tools as necessary.
* Maintain the requisite Continuing Legal Education units in order to meet the standards for a State Bar of Texas law license. CLEs must be relevant to the types of issues confronted by students in a university setting.

Work Schedule:

In person, 8-5, Monday - Friday.

Driving University Vehicle:

No

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System immediately investigates complaints of discrimination and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.