This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.
The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.
Summary
Provides advanced litigation support to the Office of University Counsel (OUC) by coordinating complex litigation and discovery activities, managing eDiscovery processes, conducting legal and factual research, organizing documents, and drafting legal materials for attorney review. Supports evidence preparation, witness coordination, and routine communication with stakeholders at the direction of attorneys. May represent OUC on committees and provide training on litigation processes.
Duties and Responsibilities
Manages complex litigation matters from initiation through resolution, including case planning, document review oversight, case file organization, scheduling, and preparation for hearings, depositions, and trial-related proceedings.
Coordinates, supports, multiple litigation matters on behalf of several OUC attorneys, ensuring timely progress, organized workflows, and with established case strategies and institutional priorities.
Leads discovery activities, including document collection and review, privilege screening, and management of eDiscovery platforms and litigation holds in coordination with technical support teams and ESI compliance.
Drafts institutional responses, analyses, and position statements for attorney review, addressing complex policies, operational practices, regulatory matters, administrative actions, and transactions involving institutional risk.
Prepares and drafts legal documents, including pleadings, motions, exhibits, affidavits, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and correspondence, ensuring compliance with court rules, deadlines, and procedural requirements.
Conducts legal and factual research and case analysis, including document review, data compilation, site visits, inspections, and fact investigations; summarizes findings and recommends courses of action for attorney consideration.
Organizes, reviews, and analyzes documents, including screening for privilege, preparing comprehensive privilege logs, and compiling evidence and information for internal hearings, administrative proceedings, and litigation activities.
Supports attorneys with witness-related preparation, including assembling witness binders, organizing interview materials, and assisting with deposition planning, internal investigations, and attorney-client interviews.
Provides routine legal information and operational consultation to university management, at the direction of attorneys, regarding legal risks, compliance considerations, and contractual obligations.
Assists with the review of contracts, agreements, and settlement documents, including initial document review, drafting revisions, preparing supporting materials, and coordinating with external counsel or agencies.
Represents OUC on internal committees, task forces, and working groups, and may present training or guidance on litigation-related processes.
May supervise or provide functional direction to assigned staff and/or student employees.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Job Requirements
Bachelor's degree; at least 4 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
Ability to gather and organize legal evidence.
Knowledge of legal contract, agreement and settlement procedures and documentation.
Ability to draft legal documents, such as pleadings, legal responses, affidavits, position statements and briefs.
Knowledge of the principles and procedures of legal research.
Knowledge of current and developing legal issues and trends in area of expertise.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both orally and in writing, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Proficient knowledge of applications used in a legal office environment, such as legal research tools, litigation software and internet searching skills.
Ability to manage time well, prioritize effectively, and handle multiple deadlines.
Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Position requires: a) coordination and management of complex litigation and discovery activities for attorney review; b) preparation of advanced institutional responses, analyses, and position statements for attorney review; c) drafting of complex pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery materials for review by attorneys; d) direct coordination with university departments, external counsel, and technical teams on litigation-related matters.
Conditions of Employment
Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
No or very limited physical effort required.
No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.
