General Counsel

Illinois State University; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois State University seeks a General Counsel to provide strategic legal guidance to the President and senior leaders. The role leads the Office of the General Counsel and coordinates legal services across the university, ensuring timely, high-quality advice and compliance with applicable laws.

The successful candidate will oversee litigation matters, policy development, staff supervision, and budget management, collaborating with administration, faculty, and external counsel to advance the

Qualifications

• Ten years as a practicing attorney in a complex organization; five years in higher education law.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience supervising/managing other attorneys, staff, outside counsel, and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to the President and administrative officers.
• Ensure efficient and prompt delivery of legal services to the University.
• Provide periodic reports to the President on outstanding litigation matters.
• Provide strategic guidance and direction in managing the Office of the General Counsel, including staff and budget.
• Establish general guidelines for legal services and coordinate interpretations of policies and regulations affecting operations.
• Maintain knowledge of legal developments affecting the University.

Skills

Independent judgment

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Management

Collaboration

Supervising attorneys

Education

J.D. or LL.B. from ABA accredited law school

Job description

General Counsel

Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Illinois State University in the search for its next General Counsel. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President's Cabinet, the General Counsel provides strategic counsel and guidance on all legal matters affecting the University.

Illinois State University—the state's first public university—is a nationally recognized public R2 institution enrolling nearly 22,000 students. With seven academic colleges, a strong tradition of student-centered teaching, and a commitment to civic engagement and inclusive excellence, Illinois State is recognized as a top value institution in one of the nation's best college towns.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced legal executive to provide counsel to the university’s senior leaders, shape institutional policy, and help guide a complex and dynamic public university as it advances its strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for all legal matters affecting Illinois State University and provides legal counsel to the President and administrative officers.
• Ensure the efficient and prompt delivery of legal services to Illinois State University.
• Provide periodic reports to the President on outstanding litigation matters.
• Provide strategic and tactical guidance and direction in all aspects of the management of the Office of the General Counsel, including staff management and development, and budget.
• Establish general guidelines for legal services.
• Coordinate legal interpretations and options as to policies, procedures, rules and regulations affecting university operating procedures, personnel and students.
• Maintain current knowledge of the legal implications of the latest national, state, and local developments affecting Illinois State University.

Required Qualifications

• A J.D. or LL.B. degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Ten years as a practicing attorney in a complex higher education, government, non-profit, corporate or other organization with comparable complexity; five years of that experience in higher education law.
• Admission to the Illinois bar by the time of appointment, or an active license to practice law in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and eligibility for a limited license under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 716.
• Excellent independent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong management and interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate.
• Experience supervising/managing other attorneys, department staff, outside legal counsel, and budgets.

Experience as General Counsel or Associate General Counsel in Illinois public higher education and admission to Federal Courts in Illinois is preferred.

Illinois State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and anti-harassment. Illinois State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, order of protection, gender identity and expression, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, unfavorable military discharge, or status as a veteran in employment, educational programs and activities, or admissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed by contacting the director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access by email at [e-mail], by calling [phone], or by mailing to the office at Illinois State University, Campus Box 1280, Normal, IL 61790.