Job Details

Research Counsel

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Position Number: 6960078
Location: Denver, CO
Position Type: Law and Legal Studies

Research Counsel

University of Colorado Denver

Research Counsel-39133

University Staff

Description

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.

By joining our team, you'll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado's system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU's campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you're passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.
Position Summary:
The Office of University Counsel provides legal research services to the University of Colorado's (CU) Office of the President, litigation office, or one of our four campus counsel offices. The Research Counsel position is located at the CU System Administration Office and functions under the direction and supervision of senior legal counsel who are designated as special assistant attorneys general. The Office of University Counsel prides itself on timely and excellent advice and assistance to complete fast paced work as part of a tight knit team. Successful candidates recognize issues, propose possible resolutions, provide timely follow-up, solve problems, and work collaboratively across all areas of the organization. This position must possess advanced knowledge associated with the professional practice of law, perform associated duties that are intellectual and varied in nature, and exercise discretion and independent judgment.

This security-sensitive position requires a criminal background check. This position reports to the Associate Counsel and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff system.
Where You Will Work:
Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration.

This role is eligible to work remotely within Colorado.

Please note, leadership may adjust in-office work requirements with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be implemented.
Equal Opportunity Statement:CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.Duties & Responsibilities:
Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Researches legal issues, prepares research memoranda, and assists senior legal on issues including, but not limited to, the following:
- Federal and state laws and regulations (in particular, those impacting institutions of higher education and government entities, for example, open records requirements)
- Bills introduced in the General Assembly
- Federal lobbying issues
- Laws of the Regents and University policies
- Employment law issues
- Tax-exempt status issues
- Corporate law issues
- Health care and patient care issues
- EEOC and civil rights issues
- State Personnel Board cases
- Faculty issues
- Student issues
Reviews and analyzes legislation
Reviews and drafts policies, contracts, leases, and other legal agreements under supervision of senior legal counsel
Analyzes, researches, and drafts proposed legal opinions, both written and oral, for various University constituencies, including administrators, faculty, staff, and students
Assists senior legal counsel with executing tactful and effective communication, both in writing and orally, with various internal and external constituencies, including faculty members, staff, students, federal and state officials, and the general public

What We Offer:
Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $97,000 - $100,000.

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate's education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position's scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and Free Onsite Parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:

Please ensure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all minimum requirements listed at the time of application to be considered for this role.

Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited school of law
Licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado or eligibility and acquisition of licensure within one year of hire
At least one (1) year of working experience post-graduation from law school within a legal environment, particularly law firm or in-house counsel experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Three (3) years of work experience providing legal representation and advice to clients
Professional experience providing legal services in a higher education setting and/or training on higher education issues
Professional experience providing legal services in a government setting
Experience in a professional legal team-oriented environment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge and ability to adhere to the highest level of confidentiality at all times
Ability to work independently and under pressure, to manage multiple concurrent tasks and responsibilities, and to adapt to changing priorities
Ability to interpret and apply complex rules and regulations
Ability to utilize the Microsoft Office Suite products
Ability to utilize Westlaw, WestNext, Lexis Nexis or other comparable legal research platforms
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a demanding environment
Be a proactive self-starter with a demonstrated ability to show initiative in addressing and anticipating client needs
Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills
Demonstrated client communication skills

How to Apply:
For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application:

A cover letter identifying the job specific minimum qualifications you possess
A resume including any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.

Please ensure you check the "Job Specific Attachments" box next to each document on the "Required Documents" page of the application for the appropriate documents to be attached.

Per the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you are not required to provide your date of birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation on your resume or cover letter. If an application requires additional materials, such as a transcript or certification, you may redact identifying information relating to your date or birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation.
When to Apply:For full consideration completed applications must be submitted byMonday, March 2, 2026. Reference checking is a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including email addresses, for up to five references as part of the search process for this position. *Please note: All application materials must be submitted through CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered.*Sponsorship Statement:We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.Background Check Statement:The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial history, motor vehicle history and/or fingerprinting background check. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.ADA Statement:We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: systemhr@cu.edu.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Job Category: Audit and Legal

Primary Location: Denver

Department: S0001 -- System Administration - 50057 - University Counsel

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Feb 25, 2026

Unposting Date: Mar 3, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

Posting Contact Name: System HR Recruiting

Posting Contact Email: SystemHR.Recruiting@cu.edu

Position Number: 00002318

To apply, please visit: https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=39133&lang=en