Reporting directly to the President, the General Counsel serves as the University’s chief legal officer and is a member of the President’s Cabinet, the senior leadership team of the University. The position represents and directs the representation of the University in all legal matters and provides legal advice and counsel to the Board of Trustees, the President and other administrators and University representatives on matters of law, policy and procedure, risk management, compliance, and institutional governance.
Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.
Essential Functions:
-
Provides legal services, advice, and counsel to the President, the Board of Trustees, university administrators and members of the university community on myriad legal and risk issues impacting university operations. Actively develops collaborative working relationships with various university constituents.
-
Performs detailed legal research and analysis on a wide variety of legal issues related to university operations and compliance obligations.
-
Develops practical solutions that combine legal, risk and compliance considerations with the reality of university program operations and policy objectives in furtherance of the university’s mission.
-
Oversees and coordinates the university’s Enterprise Risk Management Program and Compliance Program and assists the President, Board of Trustees, and university administrators in developing and implementing compliance measures and sound, preventive risk management practices.
-
Develops and provides training on legal policy and risk issues to members of the university community.
-
Drafts, reviews, updates, and interprets university policies, standards, procedures, forms, and contracts.
-
Reviews, analyzes, interprets, and advises on laws, regulations, and guidance affecting the university.
-
Serves as the President’s Cabinet liaison to the Board of Trustees Audit Committee.
-
Selects and makes referrals to outside counsel when appropriate, in coordination with university insurers on litigation matters. Supervises outside counsel in litigation and all other matters.
-
Remains abreast of changing legal issues in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and recommends appropriate policy and operational changes driven by legal mandates and best practice developments.
-
Supervises an office of three that includes an Associate General Counsel and a Legal Assistant.
-
Supervises externs from the Washington and Lee University School of Law according to need and the availability of qualified, interested law students
-
Other related duties.
?Minimum Qualifications:
Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school. Must be licensed to practice law and in good standing in the jurisdiction of practice and eligible for such standing in the Commonwealth of Virginia. https://www.vsb.org/site/members/corporate-counsel/
Preference for candidates with substantive experience in the legal representation of similarly-situated academic institutions, including strong knowledge of laws and regulations applicable to higher education institutions and familiarity with the culture and operational/organizational environment of higher education. Prefer at least seven (7) years’ experience practicing in the higher education environment, in-house or as outside counsel. Experience as the General Counsel or Associate/Assistant General Counsel to an organization is preferred. At least ten (10) years’ experience as a practicing attorney.
Excellent analytical skills and impeccable professional ethics with the ability to handle sensitive issues and communications with accuracy, confidentiality, and discretion. Demonstrated ability to express ideas, opinions, and legal concepts clearly, effectively, and accurately, both orally and in writing to non-lawyers. Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact and maintain productive, cooperative, and supportive relationships with a variety of constituents. High level of problem-solving skills, including the ability to work proactively and pragmatically. Strong organizational and leadership skills. Ability to effectively manage multiple complex and demanding priorities and navigate conflict. Commitment to the mission [https://www.wlu.edu/the-w-l-story/mission-and-vision/] of the university.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations.
Application Instructions
Cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information are required. Review of applications begins February 16, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.
External Applicants: Please upload your resume on the Quick Apply screen. Your application will automatically populate your resume details, and you may verify and update data on the My Information page. Add your cover letter and any other documents required for the position to the Resume/CV document upload section at the bottom of the My Experience application page. You will not be able to modify your application after you submit it. The My Experience page is the only opportunity to add your cover letter and supporting document attachments. The online application form requires you provide names and contact information for three professional references.
The start date for this position is July 1, 2021.
Benefit Eligible
FLSA:
Exempt
Weekly Hours:
35
Pay commensurate with experience.
