Research Counsel II Public Interest

Full-time

Mississippi State, MS

Hospitals

About the position

The Mississippi Law Research Institute at the University of Mississippi School of Law is seeking applications for a Research Counsel II. This position is designed to provide legal research assistance, make presentations, and produce written materials for public constituents in Mississippi. The Research Counsel II will play a crucial role in overseeing and conducting legal efforts, which includes filing complaints, responding to motions, and engaging in all litigation activities such as conducting discovery, appearing in court, filing appeals, and executing judgments. In addition to litigation responsibilities, the Research Counsel II will assist in defining policy issues and developing related research plans. This includes locating and completing grant applications, participating in internal and external events, and helping to develop legal materials for presentations. The role also involves supervising law student research assistants, managing confidential client files, and developing strategic plans for client matters. The Research Counsel II will be an active member of the MLRI team, contributing to community presentations and training seminars on legal issues. The position requires a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and a minimum of three years of relevant legal experience. The successful candidate will be expected to manage multiple projects independently while maintaining effective relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and public officials. Admission to practice law is required, and familiarity with Mississippi laws and the legislative process is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees, directs, and conducts legal efforts.
• Files complaints and answers and files and responds to motions.
• Engages in all litigation activities including conducting discovery, appearing in court, filing appeals, briefing appeals, and executing judgments.
• Assists with defining policy issues and develops related scope of research and research plan.
• Locates grant applications and completes grant applications and research.
• Participates in internal and external events by helping develop legal material, facilitating presentations, and engaging students and guests.
• Plans, coordinates, and conducts presentations and/or training seminars regarding legal issues.
• Supervises and oversees the research, tasks and litigation of students.
• Responds to client requests for representation and advice and manages confidential client files.
• Develops strategic plan for each client matter, reports plan to leadership, and leads its implementation.

Requirements

• Jurist Doctor Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Three (3) years of experience related to the appropriate area of law.
• Admission to practice law.

Nice-to-haves

• Understanding of public policy issues and the Mississippi legislative process.
• Familiarity with Mississippi and federal laws, regulations, and case law.
• Experience working in or with Mississippi state government and agencies.
• Proven legal research and writing skills including the ability to interpret complex legal documents and statutes.
• Experience speaking with groups of constituents and at conferences.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and public officials.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Admission to the Mississippi Bar.
• Supervisory experience.
• Strong academic record.