University Counsel

Why Work at BYU

Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work. 

Job Description

University Counsel - School of Medicine (position is open until filled)

The position of University Counsel—School of Medicine provides a wide range of legal services to BYU, primarily to the School of Medicine. University Counsel—School of Medicine conducts legal research and training, creates tools and resources to enhance legal compliance, reviews and assesses the sufficiency of significant legal documents, and advises university administration and other university personnel on legal matters.

What you will be doing in this position:

School of Medicine: Transactional

• Provide legal counsel and services regarding the planning, design, and accreditation of the School of Medicine.

• Provide legal counsel and services for contract negotiation, preparation, and management, including in connection with affiliation agreements, employment agreements, and independent contractor engagements.

• Advise and assist in preparation of forms, releases, contracts, and other similar documents for students, participants, and customers of continuing education programs and activities.

School of Medicine: Compliance

• Provide legal counsel on compliance with federal, state, and local laws applicable to healthcare and medical education, including rules and guidelines promulgated by education agencies and accrediting bodies.

• Interact with external entities and their agents on behalf of the university on matters affecting the School of Medicine.

• Draft and review School of Medicine policies.

• Provide training, as appropriate, for School of Medicine personnel.

School of Medicine: General

• Provide a wide range of other legal, policy, and business counsel and services for activities and programs in the School of Medicine.

General Legal Counsel

• Advise, assist, and act on behalf of the general counsel in providing legal services to university clients.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

• As directed by the general counsel and/or deputy general counsel, assist in representing the university in pre-litigation and litigation matters in federal, state, and local judicial and agency courts and tribunals.

• As directed by the general counsel and/or deputy general counsel, assist in representing the university in arbitration, mediation, and regulatory and agency investigations.

• Oversee compliance with obligations to produce records in response to subpoenas or other lawful requests for records.

What qualifies you for this role:

Minimum education/experience required:

• A J.D. from an accredited law school.

• Admission to the Utah State Bar within one year of starting work.

• At least seven years of legal experience as a licensed attorney.

• At least five years of relevant experience directly related to healthcare law or compliance.

Preferred education/experience:

• Strong academic credentials, a background in higher education law or other similar work, and experience working in a complex organization are preferred.

Skills, abilities, knowledge, licenses, certifications:

• A firm commitment to the mission of BYU, proven maturity, and good judgment (required).

• Outstanding oral and written communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills (required).

• Proficiency in common computer programs and web-based applications (required).

• Outstanding problem-solving and research skills (required).

• The ability to work closely and effectively with high-level university administrators (required).

• Proficiency in healthcare law and an ability to translate that proficiency to starting up a new school of medicine at Brigham Young University.

• The ability to stay current with legal developments—statutory, regulatory, and case law (required).

• Participation in local- and national-level discussions regarding developments in higher education and their strategic implications for colleges and universities (required).

• Current licensing from the Utah State Bar and other applicable state licensing agencies (required).

• Working knowledge of the university’s structure and operations (preferred).

What we offer in Return:

In addition to our competitive pay structure, this position comes with fantastic benefits, including:

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)

• Excellent work-life balance: 13 paid holidays + 22 days paid vacation + 12 sick days, accrued annually

• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household

• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members

• Access to athletic facilities

• Excellent medical/dental benefits

• Short/long-term disability benefits

• Paid parental and maternity leave

• Wellness Program

• Free on-campus parking

• Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents

• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU

Additional Comments

The most challenging aspects of this position relate to the constantly changing and increasingly complex legal environment for higher education and medical education in particular. Whole bodies of law applicable to the university are constantly being developed and revised. Moreover, the nature and business of higher education is changing and adapting to the use of new information sharing technology. Universities and colleges increasingly have need for competent legal expertise that is current and anticipates the implications for the university of new developments in the law.

This position is also governed by a memorandum of understanding between BYU’s Office of General Counsel and the School of Medicine.

Pay Grade: 57

Compensation Range

Actual compensation based on education and experience

Required Documents:

All Staff positions require a resume.

Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!