University of West Georgia · 18 hours ago
Vice President and University General Counsel
Carrollton, GA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$183K/yr - $207K/yr
5+ years expThe University of West Georgia is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university committed to advancing innovative academic programs. The Vice President and University General Counsel is responsible for managing the university's complex legal responsibilities and serving as the Chief Legal Affairs Officer, ensuring compliance with various legal standards and providing strategic legal counsel to university leadership.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Provides counsel in decision making in all areas of the university including: the President, Vice Presidents, Deans and Directors; faculty, supervisors and other employees acting in their capacity as employees; and student organization leaders regarding contracts and, in limited circumstances, legal issues confronting their organizations. Advising and assisting with property matters, human resources, equal opportunity, civil rights and Title IX matters, insurance and risk management, tax and business issues, patent, trademark and copyright issues, immigration and real estate and construction contracts. Working with departments during audit, investigations, and other compliance reviews. Participates in student, faculty and staff grievance and disciplinary proceedings. Provides oversight to the administration of open records and records retention policies and practices in compliance with Georgia Open Records laws
In coordination with USG Office of Legal Affairs, develops contracts for legal services and retains and manages outside counsel on behalf of the University. Proactively works with University leadership to ensure campus activities and practices are in compliance with federal, state and local laws and with University and USG policies. Provide direct policy-making input and advice on matters of substantial magnitude related to critical University activities, policy questions and operation procedures and, as needed, draft, modify, or review institutional policies, procedures, and practices. Develops and maintains a robust framework of internal controls for evaluation and protection of the University's legal interests and reduction of legal risks. Provides leadership and ongoing communication/training on legal and risk management topics relevant to the University community, and regularly consults with University management to promote institutional compliance with law and policy. Maintains leading edge expertise on current and emerging higher education legal issues and challenges. Cultivates valuable professional contacts with USG Offices and peers, as well as with key higher education general counsel organizations
Provides legal counsel and representation to the University (including the President, senior leadership, faculty, and staff, in their official capacities) on the full range of UWG legal concerns. Ensures appropriate coordination of legal counsel and services with the University System of Georgia's Office of Legal Affairs. In coordination with the Attorney General's Office and USG Office of Legal Affairs, as appropriate assist with lawsuits filed against the University,. Assist the President in responses concerning appeals, grievances, or other litigation matters filed with the President. Serves as the primary point of contact on all University legal issues. Serves as the primary point of legal contact and coordination between the University and local, state, and federal regulatory and law enforcement agencies, in full coordination with USG attorneys
Qualification
Required
Doctorate / Phd
Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school
Licensed and in good standing as a member of the Georgia Bar or the ability to be licensed within one year of the appointment date
Five years of experience as a practicing attorney in a sophisticated environment such as a law firm, government agency, university, or non-profit or a business corporation
Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong legal research and writing skills
Have a record of outstanding professional ethics, exceptional judgement, unquestioned integrity
Commitment to diversity and inclusion with the ability to work collegially in a diverse, complex environment
Preferred
Doctorate / Phd
Active law practice to include experience with the array of legal issues involved in higher education
Experience in litigation management and experience as university counsel and/or higher education
Benefits
Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans.
Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals.
Eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program.
Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust.
UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program.
Free access to the university recreation facility.
Discounted campus dining options.
Company
University of West Georgia
University of West Georgia is a school in Carrollton.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Meredith N. Brunen, Ed.D.
Vice President for University Advancement and CEO of UWG Foundations
Karen Allen
Deputy Athletics Director / Chief Operating Officer / Senior Woman Administrator
Recent News
UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL
2025-10-21
State Board of Pardons and Paroles
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