Associate General Counsel

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens is seeking a qualified Associate General Counsel to join the Office of Legal Affairs as in-house counsel. This full-time attorney will report to the General Counsel and provide legal guidance to university administrators, faculty and staff in a wide range of matters.

The role requires a JD and Georgia State Bar admission with 7+ years of relevant experience; priority to higher education and employment law.

Qualifications

• JD required with state bar membership.
• At least 2 years of related legal experience.
• Location: Athens area, Georgia.

Responsibilities

• Provide general legal advice and counseling to assigned units.
• Serve as subject matter expert for colleges and units in specialized areas.
• Other duties assigned by General Counsel.

Skills

Communication

Task management

Stakeholder collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

State Bar admission

Job description

Job Details

Working Title: Associate General Counsel

Department: Legal Affairs Office

Employment Type: Employee (Full Time)

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Advertised Salary: $125,000 - 145,000

Classification Title: Staff Attorney II

FTE: 1.00

FLSA: Exempt

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.

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.

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.

Duties and 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. (40%)
• Provide guidance and serve as subject matter expert for colleges and units in specialized areas. (40%)
• Other duties assigned by General Counsel. (20%)

Equal Employment Opportunity

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

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning and 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. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.