Strategic University Counsel & Policy Leader

Grand Valley State University; United States; On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waiver

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Grand Valley State University is seeking a generalist attorney within the Office of General Counsel. You will provide practical legal advice to university leadership and campus partners on a broad range of legal matters, exercising sound judgment and clear communication with non-lawyers.

The role requires a client-facing attorney with experience addressing evolving issues, identifying risks, and recommending solutions aligned with the university’s mission.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice in Michigan or willingness to seek admission.
• Eight+ years of progressively responsible legal experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, practical legal advice to university clients on a wide range of issues and implement guidance.
• Manage and resolve legal questions from university departments and the Office, including issue identification, research, risk assessment, and drafting.
• Draft, edit, and review legal correspondence, contracts, opinions, and related documents as needed.
• Represent or coordinate the university in litigation, investigations, and administrative hearings, including preparing staff for processes and coordinating with outside counsel.
• Provide training on compliance and risk management, and conduct internal legal audits and policy recommendations.
• Monitor and analyze proposed legislation and regulation, and advise on compliance across university policies.
• Collaborate with attorneys to ensure consistent, legally sound guidance and efficient service delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Skills

Client-facing communication

Legal research

Risk assessment

Written & oral communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from accredited law school

Active license to practice in Michigan or willingness to seek admission

Job description

Grand Valley State University is seeking a generalist attorney within the Office of General Counsel. You will provide practical legal advice to university leadership and campus partners on a broad range of legal matters, exercising sound judgment and clear communication with non-lawyers.

The role requires a client-facing attorney with experience addressing evolving issues, identifying risks, and recommending solutions aligned with the university’s mission.