General Counsel

Job title: General Counsel

About the Role The General Counsel will lead the university's legal and government affairs department and serve as a trusted advisor on strategic legal matters. The role collaborates with senior leadership to ensure regulatory compliance, mitigate risk, and advance the University's mission. The General Counsel will be a member of the President's Cabinet and may engage with government officials and the public on university matters.

What You'll Do

• Provide expert legal counsel on governance, compliance, risk management, employment law, contracts, commercial transactions, real estate, intellectual property, litigation, data privacy and cybersecurity, and academic affairs.
• Manage the legal department including contract administration, timely and accurate counsel to leadership and respective departments, ongoing legal projects, litigation management and external counsel and legal compliance.
• Ensure the University is in compliance with Federal, State, and other external agencies rules and regulations, including Title IX, Clery Act, Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA) and Campus SaVE regulations; assist the compliance department and oversee whistleblower hotline and Enterprise Risk Management program.
• Review and prepare opinions and communications; oversee discovery, document review, fact investigation and research.
• Select and retain outside counsel to obtain legal opinions or to manage claims and litigation; advise leadership including the Board of Trustees on policies, procedures, regulations, bylaws, and other legal documents.
• Represent the University in judicial and administrative proceedings when needed; stay informed of evolving legal landscape in higher education.

What We're Looking For

• Juris Doctorate degree.
• Ten (10) years of relevant experience in a legal-counsel role.
• Active license to practice law; Alabama licensure is required.
• Higher education experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of governance, compliance, risk management, employment law, contracts, and related areas; excellent research, writing and communication skills.
• Ability to manage a legal team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders across the University.