University Assistant General Counsel — Policy & Compliance

Agupdate; Allendale Charter Township, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental

Life insurance

Generous retirement contributions

Wellness resources

Tuition waiver

Job summary

Grand Valley State University seeks an Assistant General Counsel to provide broad legal advice to university leadership, administrators and campus partners. This role requires experience in diverse areas of law, strong judgment, and clear communication with non-lawyers.

The successful candidate will handle advisory work, draft and review legal documents, manage litigation and investigations as needed, and guide compliance and risk management across departments.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing with the State Bar of Michigan or willing to seek admission to Michigan Bar.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible legal experience with substantial practice.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers.
• Strong writing, research, and oral presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, practical legal advice to university clients across a broad range of matters.
• Draft, edit, and review legal documents, correspondence, contracts, and government submissions.
• Represent the university in litigation, investigations, and administrative proceedings or coordinate with outside counsel.
• Advise on compliance, risk management, and policy development across university departments.
• Train and guide university staff on legal risk and compliance matters.
• Collaborate with other attorneys to ensure consistent, sound guidance aligned with university policy.

Skills

Legal advisory

Risk assessment

Oral communication

Legal research

Written communication

Policy interpretation

Education

Juris Doctor

Bar admission (Michigan)

Job description

Grand Valley State University seeks an Assistant General Counsel to provide broad legal advice to university leadership, administrators and campus partners. This role requires experience in diverse areas of law, strong judgment, and clear communication with non-lawyers.

The successful candidate will handle advisory work, draft and review legal documents, manage litigation and investigations as needed, and guide compliance and risk management across departments.