Associate General Counsel

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky Office of Legal Counsel seeks an Associate General Counsel to provide legal counsel, representation, and strategic guidance on employment-based immigration matters affecting the University's international workforce, and other immigration-related issues.

The role focuses on supporting physician faculty and healthcare providers, advising on immigration strategy, compliance, and risk management, and coordinating with colleges and administrative units to advance academic,

Qualifications

• J.D. required; Kentucky Bar membership or eligibility to admit without further examination.
• Strong knowledge of employment-based immigration matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel, representation, and strategic guidance on immigration matters affecting the University's workforce.
• Advise university leadership and hiring officials on immigration strategy, compliance, risk management, and workforce planning.
• Represent the University before federal agencies on employment-based immigration matters.
• Collaborate with colleges, departments, and administrative units to develop immigration-related policies.

Skills

Legal counsel

Immigration law

Regulatory compliance

Strategy planning

Education

J.D.

Bar admission eligibility (Kentucky)

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

Currently a member of the Kentucky Bar Association or eligible for admission without further examination

Physical Requirements

Sitting for long periods of time; and intermittent job-related travel.

Shift

Typically, Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Additional work hours may be assigned as necessary.

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky Office of Legal Counsel is seeking an Associate General Counsel to provide legal counsel, representation, and strategic guidance on employment-based immigration matters affecting the University's international workforce, as well as other immigration-related legal issues.

As Kentucky's flagship university and academic health system, the University of Kentucky plays a critical role in addressing physician workforce shortages and expanding access to high-quality healthcare across the Commonwealth and beyond. A significant focus of this position is supporting the recruitment, retention, and immigration sponsorship of physician faculty and other healthcare providers within the College of Medicine and University-owned healthcare facilities, including those serving rural communities throughout Kentucky.

Serving as the University's primary immigration attorney, the Associate General Counsel advises university leadership, hiring officials, and other stakeholders on immigration strategy, regulatory compliance, risk management, and workforce planning. The position represents the University before federal agencies on employment-based immigration matters and provides legal support on immigrant and nonimmigrant visa classifications, employment-based permanent residency, and other complex immigration issues affecting university-sponsored employees, faculty, researchers, students, and other members of the University community.

The Associate General Counsel collaborates closely with colleges, departments, and administrative units to develop immigration-related policies, ensure compliance with federal immigration laws and regulations, and advance the University’s academic, research, healthcare, and service missions.

Work Location

This position is based in Lexington, Kentucky; however, remote work arrangements may be considered for highly qualified candidates whose experience and work style support success in an independent remote environment.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

J.D.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/10/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.