Legal Fellow at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

Job Summary

Introduction and Background
The Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (State System), was created pursuant to Act 188 of 1982, as amended, and contains 10 Universities located throughout the Commonwealth. The State System's Office of Legal Counsel provides legal services to the State System and its Universities. The Office of Legal Counsel is led by the Chief Counsel and employs a number of University Legal Counsel (ULC). The Office has established the position of Legal Fellow to assist the Chief Counsel and the ULC in serving the State System and its Universities.


The Legal Fellow position is a one-year position, with the option for a second year when it is mutually beneficial for both the Office of Legal Counsel and the Legal Fellow.




General Description

The Legal Fellow will perform entry-level professional legal work to support the Chief Counsel and ULC. The position is designed to provide important service to the attorneys who serve the State System and its Universities, while simultaneously providing the Fellow with valuable experience and skills in the practice of higher education law.



Responsibilities


The Legal Fellow will perform routine legal work and assist attorneys in the performance of varied legal assignments. Generally, the work will involve conducting legal research; drafting legal documents; reviewing documents; keeping and maintaining legal files; and performing other tasks as needed. Some specific examples of work include the following:

• Conducting legal research on a range of topics.


• Reviewing, summarizing, and reporting on legal developments in higher education.


• Conducting online research on various matters.


• Drafting legal documents, including memoranda; correspondence; portions of briefs and pleadings for court matters; and position statements in administrative agency matters.


• Reviewing documents for litigation and Right-to-Know Law requests.


• Reviewing contracts for compliance with legal requirements.


• Organizing and maintaining legal files.

The Legal Fellow's work is subject to review while in process and upon completion, and assistance is available as needed.

In addition, the Legal Fellow will participate in the Office's regular staff meetings, during which a wide range of legal and administrative issues are discussed among the Chief Counsel and all ULC. The expectation also is that the Legal Fellow will be invited to participate in meetings involving ULC and State System and University clients.


The position is based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with some travel required. While this position is remote, occasional in-office availability in Harrisburg is required.Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from a recognized college or university; graduation from a recognized law school with a J.D./LL.B. degree. Bar admission at the time of application is not required; however, it is expected that the Legal Fellow will be licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania or taking steps to become licensed in Pennsylvania by passing the bar exam within the first six months of employment. The Legal Fellow position is designed as an entry-level position. Thus, the expectation is that candidates will have two years or less of experience after law school graduation. Judicial clerkships will not be counted against that experience maximum.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong research skills, both legal research and research of non-legal online resources.

Understanding of how to apply legal principles to individual cases or problems.

Ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, and administrative regulations.

Ability to maintain cordial and responsive relations with attorneys, client universities and university personnel.

Ability to conduct thorough and up-to-date research on legal issues, knowledge of principles of law and keep abreast of new developments in law.

Ability to organize and balance workload, priorities, assignments and maintain commitments in a timely manner.

Ability to understand and advise client on legal issues; and to craft advice in a way that meets with the needs of the client.

Demonstrate knowledge of ethics as related to the practice of law and as evidenced in daily practice.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook and ability to use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work and programs.

Ability to express ideas clearly, effectively, persuasively, and accurately, both orally and in writing.

Ability to handle sensitive issues and communications with accuracy, confidentiality and discretion.

Ability to function independently in a remote environment while maintaining positive communications and relationships with Chief counsel, colleagues, and clients.

Anticipated Start Date: August 1, 2025

This position is Full-time but flexible during preparation for bar exam.




For consideration, please submit cover letter, resume, writing sample and transcript.Supplemental Information

Please note, this position is with the Office of the Chancellor at the PA State System of Higher Ed, not Kutztown University.



Applications & Resumes will be accepted until position is filled.


All applications for this position must be submitted via our online application/resume system ONLY. Please do not fax, mail, or e-mail any documentation.


Successful interview, reference checks, background clearances (PA Criminal, Child Abuse Clearance & FBI Clearance), and demonstration of ability are requisite qualifications for all positions.


The State System is very interested in hiring employees who have had extensive experience with diverse populations.We are an AA/EOE/member of the PA State System of Higher Education and actively solicits applications from women and minority candidates.Non-Discrimination StatementThe Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures and for inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulation, contact Christa Cobb, State System Title IX Coordinator, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 207, Harrisburg, PA 17110; Phone: (717)720.4167; Email: CCobb@passhe.edu. Additionally, inquiries concerning Title IX and its implementing regulation can be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Region III, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East - Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Phone: (215) 656-6010; Fax: (215) 656-6020.

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