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(DAILY_WILDCAT)

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By Nicole Manger
Arizona Daily Wildcat
February 10, 1998

Search for new UA chief legal advisor continues

UA President Peter Likins appointed a committee last month to search for a new chief legal officer - an individual who will advise the president and university committees on legal affairs.

"We're looking for the most qualified person for the job - someone well versed in university affairs and knows the ropes of that," said James Sakrison, a Tucson attorney and search committee member.

The general counsel deals with contract negotiations, all levels of faculty claims, affirmative action disputes, student athletics and student affairs issues. The individual also provides UA committees with legal advice.

The general counsel's annual salary is between $100,000 and $120,000.

University attorney Thomas Thompson, who has worked in the University Attorney's Office for 16 years, will serve as interim general council until someone is permanently hired for the position.

Applicants must have a bachelor or doctorate of law from an accredited law school and a minimum of eight years experience practicing law. Applicants who have previously represented a research-intensive university are preferred.

Barbara Atwood, law professor and search committee member, said the committee will consider applicants who meet minimal job requirements.

Richard Davis, Tucson attorney and committee member, said the committee is hoping to attract a diverse pool of applicants from across the country.

"We're hoping for a good cross-section (of applicants)," said Elise Calmus, special assistant to Joel Valdez, senior vice president for business affairs. Valdez is heading the search.

The UA placed advertisements in local, state and national publications Feb. 1, including The Arizona Daily Star, The Arizona Republic, The New York Times and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Only a few applications have been received, Calmus said. She said the committee expects to receive the bulk of the applications in the next few weeks.

Davis said the committee has no preliminary ideas about who it will hire, he said.

Former General Counsel Jacqueline Schneider resigned in November after marrying her college sweetheart. She moved to San Antonio, Texas.

"She (Schneider) was really very effective, I think," Calmus said.

The nine-member committee, which met earlier this year, will not meet again till mid-March. All applications are due March 11.


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