Associate General Counsel

Ugajobsearch; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens seeks an Associate General Counsel to join the Office of Legal Affairs as a full-time attorney reporting to the General Counsel. The role provides legal advice to administrators, faculty, and staff across units and manages policy interpretation, contract review, and litigation coordination.

The ideal candidate has a JD, at least seven years of relevant experience in higher education or employment law, and admission to the Georgia Bar; experience with

Qualifications

• JD, 2 years of related legal experience, and State Bar membership.
• Preferred: JD from an accredited law school with strong academics and Georgia bar admission.
• Seven+ years of experience in higher education or employment law preferred.
• Willingness to relocate to the Athens area is a plus.

Responsibilities

• General legal advice and counseling to assigned units, 40% of time.
• Provide guidance and subject matter expertise for colleges and units, 40%.
• Other duties assigned by the General Counsel, 20%.

Skills

Excellent oral and written comms.

Plan and manage tasks

Work with diverse constituents

Analytical and problem solving

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Associate General Counsel

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is open until filled with priority given to applications submitted by October 30, 2026. Preferred starting date is January 1 with some flexibility.

Posting Details

Posting Number S15846P

Working Title Associate General Counsel

Department Legal Affairs Office

About the University of Georgia Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department The Office of Legal Affairs is the University of Georgia’s in‑house legal counsel. Attorneys in the Office of Legal Affairs provide legal advice and counseling to the University through its administrators, faculty, and staff in the course of their duties on behalf of the University. The Office of Legal Affairs does not provide legal advice to administrators, faculty, staff, or students in their individual capacities.

In addition to providing legal counseling to the University, other areas of responsibility for the Office of Legal Affairs include policy interpretation and advice, administration of the University’s grievance and dispute resolution procedures, contract review, and — in conjunction with the Attorney General — management of actual or threatened litigation in which the University is involved. The Office of Legal Affairs is also available to provide educational programs on legal issues applicable to units of the University.

College/Unit/Department website legal.uga.edu Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Advertised Salary $125,000 - 145,000 Posting Date 10/05/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 01/01/2027 Special Instructions to Applicants This position is open until filled with priority given to applications submitted by October 30, 2026. Preferred starting date is January 1 with some flexibility. Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]). USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Position Information Classification

Title Staff Attorney II FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications JD, 2 years of related legal experience, and State Bar membership

Preferred Qualifications The successful applicant should have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, strong academic credentials, and be admitted or immediately eligible for admission to practice law in the State of Georgia.

The Office of Legal Affairs is seeking applicants with strong experience relevant to higher education law and is particularly interested in applicants with employment law experience. Applicants for this position should have a minimum of seven years of experience. Applicants with less experience may apply for the open Assistant General Counsel position here: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/507923 . The successful candidate should live or be willing to promptly relocate to the Athens area.

Position Summary This position is a full‑time attorney in the University of Georgia’s Office of Legal Affairs, the University’s in‑house legal counsel. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, attorneys in the office provide legal advice and counseling to the University through its administrators, faculty, and staff in the course of their duties on behalf of the University. Each attorney in the office has direct responsibility for specific substantive areas and units. Areas of responsibility sometimes change to meet the needs of the unit and institution.

The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advice and counsel to the University on a wide variety of legal issues, including policy interpretation, contract review, and — in conjunction with the Attorney General of the State of Georgia – management of actual or threatened litigation in which the University is involved.

Associate General Counsel positions are intended for attorneys with 7+ years of relevant experience. Associate General Counsels are expected to work with a high level of independence, providing counsel to assigned units with limited oversight by the General Counsel. Associate General Counsels are also expected to represent the Office of Legal Affairs on committees, participate in meetings with top UGA and USG administrators, and coordinate with the Attorney General’s Office. Subject matter expertise and close working relationships with assigned units are required of Associate General Counsels, as well as sensitivity to emerging and complex issues.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Plan and manage a variety of tasks.
• Work effectively with various constituents in a large public institution.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills and sound judgment.

Physical Demands

• Sitting, walking/moving.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

• General legal advice and counseling to assigned units. This includes advising units on legal risks and mitigation strategies, relevant contract review, policy review and development, and training and education on relevant legal matters for assigned units. Percentage of time 40.
• Provide guidance and serve as subject matter expert for colleges and units in specialized areas. Percentage of time 40.
• Other duties assigned by General Counsel. Percentage of time 20.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact Name Lindsay Smith

Recruitment Contact Email [e-mail]

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Have you been admitted to practice law in the State of Georgia, or are you eligible for admission through reciprocity or passing of the Georgia bar exam within one (1) year of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you located in the Athens area or prepared to relocate if you were to accept this position?
  • Yes
  • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents