Hiring: University Associate Counsel at the Legal and Compliance Division

Silliman University invites applications for one (1) University Associate Counsel at the Legal and Compliance Division. The University Associate Counsel provides legal services (litigation and preventive lawyering) in line with the mandate of the Office of the General Counsel (Legal and Compliance Division).

They will report directly to the University Chief Legal Counsel.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of Philippine laws, jurisprudence, and administrative regulations, particularly in areas relevant to higher education, labor relations, governance, and compliance;
• Demonstrated competence in legal research, legal writing, oral advocacy, litigation, negotiation, and conciliation-mediation; proficient in the use of information and communications technology (ICT) tools for legal documentation and virtual proceedings;
• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a recognized law school;
• Member in good standing of the Philippine Bar;
• With updated and valid Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) compliance;
• Relevant experience in litigation, administrative proceedings, labor relations, legal advisory work, or legal aid practice; prior experience in an academic setting is an advantage.

Responsibilities

The Associate Counsel, under the supervision and direction of the Chief Legal Counsel, shall perform the following functions:

• Provide legal research, advisory, and compliance support to assigned academic and non-academic Units to mitigate legal risks and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and University policies;
• Assist in and, when designated, represent the Legal and Compliance Division in University and CBA-related committees, technical working groups, and policy review bodies;
• Serve as a member or legal representative of the University in investigatory and quasi-judicial bodies, including but not limited to the Personnel Committee, Disciplinary Panel, University Disciplinary Board, Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), and other committees constituted by the President or University Administration;
• Draft, review, and file pleadings, position papers, memoranda, and other legal submissions; represent the University in administrative, labor, and court proceedings when authorized; review and assist in the preparation of contracts, MOAs, and other institutional agreements; and prepare legal opinions, policy issuances, and advisory memoranda as required;
• Participate in grievance meetings and conferences; assist in representing the University Administration in Labor-Management Council meetings, collective bargaining negotiations, preventive mediation, arbitration proceedings, and other labor relations matters;
• Perform other related legal functions as may be assigned in furtherance of the University’s governance, risk management, and compliance objectives.