SUS | Associate General Counsel

Southern University Shreveport, Inc; Sterlington (LA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern University and A&M College System is seeking an Associate General Counsel to provide comprehensive legal counsel and support to the system and its campuses. The role reports to the General Counsel and involves advising leadership on legal, regulatory, and compliance matters, reviewing contracts, conducting research, and supporting investigations and risk management.

The position emphasizes collaboration with system and campus leadership to promote ethical conduct, equal access, and

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school required.
• Active bar membership in good standing in Louisiana.
• At least two years of relevant in-house or external counsel experience.
• Proven ability to draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to the University System and campuses.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, leases, and procurement documents.
• Advise on compliance with federal/state laws and university policies.
• Conduct legal research and support investigations and risk management.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Legal research

Policy analysis

Regulatory compliance

Training & mentorship

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Active Louisiana State Bar license

2+ years in-house or outside counsel

Job description

SUS | Associate General Counsel | Position Type: Full-Time Unclassified | Salary: $75,000 - $95,000

Application Deadline: October 30, 2026

The Associate General Counsel provides legal counsel and support to the Southern University and A&M College System and its campuses. Reporting to the General Counsel, this position advises University leadership on legal, regulatory, policy, and compliance matters; reviews and negotiates contracts; conducts legal research; supports investigations and risk management efforts; and provides legal and compliance training. The Associate General Counsel works collaboratively with System and campus leadership to promote ethical conduct, equal access and opportunity, regulatory compliance, and consistent legal practices while identifying and mitigating legal, operational, regulatory, and reputational risks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Contracts and Legal Services

• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, leases, procurement documents, and other agreements on behalf of the University System.
• Draft and revise contractual terms, conditions, policies, procedures, notices, and other legal documents.
• Research legal issues affecting the University System, including applicable statutes, regulations, judicial decisions, administrative guidance, and other legal authorities.
• Provide practical legal advice and develop solutions to legal and regulatory matters affecting System and campus operations.
• Advise on public records requests and applicable records retention and disclosure requirements.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

• Perform pre-litigation work and assist with dispute resolution to protect the System’s interests and mitigate legal and operational risk.
• Assist the General Counsel with litigation management and coordination with outside counsel, as assigned.
• Support or conduct internal investigations, as assigned, and provide legal guidance regarding investigative processes, findings, and corrective actions.

Compliance and Regulatory Affairs

• Advise System and campus personnel regarding compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Monitor developments in laws and regulations affecting higher education, including Title IX, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Clery Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other applicable requirements.
• Assist with the development, review, and implementation of policies and procedures in response to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Assess legal and compliance risks and recommend appropriate preventive or corrective measures.
• Serve as a resource for legal and compliance best practices throughout the University System.

Training and Ethical Compliance

• Develop and deliver training to University personnel and affiliated entities on relevant legal, regulatory, and compliance topics.
• Promote ethical conduct and awareness of the legal, financial, operational, and reputational consequences of noncompliance.
• Support efforts to strengthen a culture of ethics, accountability, and compliance throughout the University System.

University and Campus Collaboration

• Build collaborative working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, and other representatives throughout the University System.
• Respond promptly and professionally to the legal and compliance needs of the University community.
• Work collaboratively with System and campus leadership to support consistent legal and compliance practices across the University System.

Legal Operations and Professional Responsibilities

• Produce timely, accurate, and high-quality legal work in support of the University System.
• Manage multiple assignments, establish priorities, and meet applicable deadlines.
• Exercise sound professional judgment and fiscal responsibility in the performance of assigned duties.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
• Active membership in good standing with the Louisiana State Bar Association.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant legal experience as in-house or outside counsel.
• Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and other legal agreements.
• Experience conducting or advising on internal investigations.
• Strong legal research, analytical, writing, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal communication, presentation, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments, establish priorities, and deliver timely results in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct, equal access, equal opportunity, and the mission of the Southern University and A&M College System.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Legal experience representing a college or university, public agency, governing board, commission, or other governmental entity.
• Experience advising on laws, regulations, and legal matters affecting higher education.
• Experience with public contracting, procurement, public records, administrative law, regulatory compliance, and/or institutional risk management.
• Experience advising organizational leadership on complex, sensitive, or high-impact legal matters.

A criminal background check and reference verification are required.

EEO/ADA Statement: The Southern University System complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws. Southern University and A&M College forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in uniformed services, and all other categories protected by applicable federal and state laws. This commitment applies to but is not limited to decisions concerning hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other college-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.