Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The Office of the Vice President and General Counsel Attorneys provide legal counsel and representation to The Pennsylvania State University including its schools, colleges, divisions, units, affiliates and related entities, including Penn State Health. The Office of General Counsel attorneys serve the University Board of Trustees, the President, officers, administrators, faculty, and staff in their official capacities.

• Research the law and provide legal advice/consultation/representation on varied matters including governance, international law, national security protocols and protection, contract compliance and assurance, acquisitions and procurement, intellectual property, information technology, etc.; interpret and implement constitutional, statutory, judicial, and administrative rule requirements
• Advise on, negotiate, draft, edit, review, and execute legal documents including contracts, agreements, briefs, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, responses, and notices, etc.; assist with risk management strategies
• Evaluate case merit; work with senior management and the General Counsel to define strategies for defending the University, or for filing actions on behalf of the University; represent the University during judicial and administrative proceedings
• Advise when matters require outside counsel retention; retain and supervise outside counsel representation
• Assist in developing institutional policies, procedures, and programs; ensure compliance with laws and regulations; conduct training
• Represent the Office of General Counsel on University-wide committees
• Keep abreast of changes in the law; review new statutes, regulations, and opinions; attend continuing legal education courses

Level:

– Principal Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Displays mastery of defined skill areas/applications, principles, theories and practices. Evaluates and enhances existing practices. Recognizes emerging trends in area of expertise. Works independently on complex or strategic assignments. Directs and delegates appropriate tasks to others. Implements strategies to ensure achievement of initiatives. Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and deliver to broad audiences. Identifies and implements innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Validates and pays invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding
– May plan and forecast budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters complex and novel problems
– Applies policies, practices, specialized knowledge, and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices as guidelines as well as working knowledge to determine specific work methods
– Carries out work activities independently, with supervisor available to resolve problems
– Reviews work of others to verify technical soundness

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and area leads across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 19
• Minimum – $187,500.00
• MidPoint – $239,000.00
• Maximum – $290,600.00