Item 9.E-October 10, 2014
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/hr/compensation-and-evaluation for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name (if applicable): Melissa Barnard (17081); Gary
Cardinal (17080); New
Current Title: Assistant General Counsel, UNR
Position #(s): 17081; 17080;
New
Current Range: 5
(JCC:77344)
Department: Office of General Council
College/Division: President’s Office
Account #(s): 1101-101-0002
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
( ) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
(X) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
Range:
JCC (Current
or new HR
assigned):
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature Mary Dugan, General Counsel, UNR
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
Director/Chair/Dean
Marc Johnson, President
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Stacy Burton, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs Date
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
77344 Range:
5
Pos #(s): 17081; 17080
JCC:
EEO: 1B
Eff: 10/1/2014
Approved Title: Assistant General Counsel, UNR
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012
Position Description – Assistant General Counsel, UNR
Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Assistant General Counsel reports administratively to the General Counsel of the University of
Nevada, Reno (UNR). The Assistant General Counsel litigates on behalf of UNR in consultation with
the General Counsel and assists the General Counsel in planning, organizing, and guiding UNR’s
legal activities. The Assistant General Counsel assists in providing advice and counsel to senior
academic and administrative officers of the University concerning UNR’s legal rights and obligations.
Scope of the role includes litigation, administrative and regulatory matters, whether in the courts of the
State of Nevada or the United States and in all federal and state administrative agencies. The
Assistant General Counsel conducts legal research and advises University officers on matters
pertaining to compliance with state and federal laws affecting the University with particular emphasis
on litigation, contracts, business and tort law, employment law and dispute resolution, intellectual
property, student rights, and public/private partnerships. The position is also responsible for other
such legal or administrative duties as may be assigned by the General Counsel. Concurrent private
practice is precluded.
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
65% - Litigation
 Handles litigation on behalf of UNR in consultation with the General Counsel
30% - Research and Advising
 Provides advice and counsel to senior academic and administrative officers of the University
concerning the legal rights and obligations of the University
 Conducts legal research and provides advice to University officers on matters pertaining to
compliance with state and federal laws affecting the University with particular emphasis on
litigation, contracts, business and tort law, employment law and dispute resolution, student
rights, and public/private partnerships
5% - General Counsel Assistance
 Assists the General Counsel in planning, organizing, and guiding the University’s legal
activities
 Handles other assigned legal or administrative duties by the General Counsel
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
Position has a high level of freedom to conduct litigation and handle administrative matters with
minimal supervision. Incumbent obtains authorization from appropriate officer(s) for negotiation and
settlement. The results of the work performed impact the department, division, and/or university as a
whole through the legal decisions obtained.
Position Description – Assistant General Counsel, UNR
Page 3
Impact:
Decisions and judgments made by this position are critical to all departments, divisions, and the
University as a whole because officers and employees of the University seek and rely on advice, and
legal analysis of counsel in making day-to-day operational decisions. Appropriate legal interpretations
of federal and state law, and Board of Regents’ Code and Policy are essential to help insure that laws
and policies are adhered to and to protect the University and staff from liability.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Civil procedure and state and federal law
 Rules of procedure for all federal and state courts in Nevada and before administrative
tribunals
Skills:




Personal and professional integrity
Excellent written and verbal communication
Excellent relationship-building skills and political acumen
Excellent electronic legal research skills
Ability to:
 Use knowledge of all relevant areas of law and legal practice including but not limited to legal
analysis, written and oral presentation
 Be a team player
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
University officers and
employees with regard to
litigation and matters of general
legal advice
Students
Reason for Contact
To provide services, to resolve problems, to negotiate and to
represent the University and employees in state and federal courts
and before administrative officers with regard to litigation and
personnel matters
To provide services, to resolve problems, to negotiate
External
Judges, court personnel,
administrative officers, private
attorneys, litigants, witnesses,
members of the public, and state
and federal agencies
Reason for Contact
To provide services, to resolve problems, to negotiate
Position Description – Assistant General Counsel, UNR
Page 4
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a.
Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
A Law Degree from a regionally accredited institution
b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
A Law Degree and five years of experience in civil practice, including litigation and
contracts
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
Current license to practice law in the State of Nevada