Paralegal

Summary

The Office of General Counsel at Michigan Technological University is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Paralegal for an immediate opening. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work closely with the General Counsel and various university stakeholders on a wide range of legal and administrative matters impacting the institution.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in reviewing and drafting a variety of legal documents, including contracts, and be able to conduct legal research. We are looking for someone with a strong commitment to providing excellent customer service and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Experience with real estate matters is also preferred.
In addition to legal support duties, this role is responsible for managing the University Policy Office, including drafting, reviewing, monitoring, and updating policies in alignment with leadership decisions. The Paralegal will also oversee the University's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process, ensuring timely and compliant responses to all requests. This is a great opportunity for a detail-oriented professional to contribute to a broad spectrum of legal and administrative functions in a dynamic university setting.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Draft and review contracts and other legal documents.
2. Gather information and assist with responses to subpoenas, administrative charges, and other legal matters
3. Collect and manage documents, assist the General Counsel in the office with preparation of and responses to legal requests; and draft routine correspondence.
4. Support university departments through legal contracting processes, negotiations, and document management.
5. Record and maintain records of meetings and compliance reports.
6. Maintain databases of relevant documents and information as applicable.
7. Research matters related to healthcare, sponsored research, labor and employment, higher education in general, and other related matters.
8. Draft memoranda, chronologies, and other analyses, releases, and other documents.
9. Assist with the management of signature authority and contract management across the University, including management of the contracts ticketing system.
10. Work closely with Academic Affairs related to academic agreements.
11. Manage the policy office, including working with University departments when developing and updating policies.
12. Maintaining and updating policies as needed.
13. Be responsible for handling all aspects of the FOIA process, including acknowledgement, requesting documents from departments, tracking, redacting, and responding.
14. Work with University departments to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws as well as Board and University policies.
15. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in the University's continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Associate Degree, or Certificate in Paralegal Studies (or equivalent legal studies degree) or a minimum of 5 years of equivalent work experience

Required Experience

* Ability to conduct legal research
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact.
* Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook), Adobe, and other relevant computer software.
Commitment to providing excellent customer service.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

* Experience in drafting, reviewing, and proofreading contracts and other legal documents.
* Experience with civil procedure, particularly in Michigan state and federal courts.
* Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team, in a fast-paced environment, to handle multiple complex tasks, and to prioritize competing deadlines generated by multiple constituencies.
* Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and collegially, orally and in writing, with Michigan Tech personnel at all levels of education, skill, and responsibility, as well as with external attorneys and other contacts.
* Appropriate self-awareness, including when to escalate matters.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

* Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
* Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
* Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
* Ability to gather and organize legal evidence.
* Knowledge of legal contracts and agreements.
* Knowledge of the principles and procedures of legal research.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

* Knowledge of Michigan's FOIA law and experience with FOIA processing
* Knowledge of administrative or business policies and experience with drafting and modifying such policies
* Experience in working on committees

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following training courses:

* Employee Safety Overview
* Annual Data Security Training
* Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
* Annual Title IX Training

Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis.

Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

1st Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

The salary range for this position is $55,000-$70,000,owever, thefinal salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Secretary to the Board of Trustees

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Please provide a cover letter that indicates your interest in this position and why you believe you would be a strong contributor to the Office of General Counsel at Michigan Tech.