General Counsel

Gallaudet University•Washington, DC

19d•$183,582 - $244,776

About The Position

The General Counsel reports to the President and serves as Gallaudet University's principal legal advisor, including for the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center. The role provides strategic counsel on institutional strategy, legal matters, governance, compliance, litigation, and legal risk management to protect the University's interests and advance its mission. The General Counsel advises University leadership and the Board of Trustees on laws, policies, governance, and strategic decisions; directs legal representation in litigation and other proceedings; reviews institutional contracts; and develops legal risk-management strategies and safeguards. The position also supervises staff, manages internal resources and outside counsel, oversees the legal budget, and promotes legal awareness and compliance across campus. The role builds relationships with University and external constituents, monitors legal developments affecting higher education, and participates in relevant professional organizations. The successful candidate must obtain or possess a District of Columbia law license within one year of employment and must clear a background check before beginning work.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
At least six years of professional experience with legal administration, policy development, or a related field.
Ability to communicate in American Sign Language.
Strong ability to analyze complex issues, exercise sound judgment, and communicate effectively through writing and presentations while maintaining high ethical standards.
Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Demonstrated experience leading legal professionals and providing strategic legal counsel to leadership on complex, controversial, and high-profile matters.
Demonstrated experience with or knowledge of higher education, including faculty and staff relations, academic policies, and institutional governance.
Demonstrated ability to work with and across University departments, outside constituents, and groups.
Must obtain or possess a law license in the District of Columbia within one year of employment.
Must clear a background check before working at Gallaudet University.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience.
Experience working in a higher education setting.

Responsibilities

Advise the President, Board of Trustees, Executive Team, and other University leaders on legal matters, institutional governance, policies, and strategic decisions.
Interpret applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including those affecting higher education, civil rights, employment, privacy, research, contracts, and intellectual property.
Prepare and review legal reports, correspondence, presentations, and materials for the Executive Team and Board of Trustees.
Coordinate legal matters across the University and provide practical guidance on complex, controversial, and high-profile issues.
Direct the University's legal representation in litigation, administrative proceedings, investigations, claims, and disputes.
Review University contracts and agreements involving employment, procurement, real estate, technology, sponsored research, external sales, and other institutional activities.
Assess legal risks and develop strategies to protect the University's interests, prevent disputes, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Establish and maintain legal safeguards and internal controls while promoting consistent application of University policies and procedures.
Support a culture of compliance, restorative justice, and conflict resolution when violations occur, whether actual or perceived.
Supervise staff, provide ongoing feedback, complete annual performance evaluations for regular-status and extended-temporary staff, and set staff goals and expectations.
Resolve workplace conflicts in a timely manner, seek support from Human Resources or the Office of Equal Opportunity Program when needed, promote a safe and healthy work environment, and ensure professional development opportunities for regular-status and extended-temporary staff.
Manage internal resources and outside counsel to deliver high-quality, timely, and cost-effective legal services.
Manage outside counsel selection, engagement, contracts, and budgets.
Develop and oversee the legal budget and provide reports to the President and, as appropriate, the Board of Trustees.
Promote legal awareness across campus through training, clear guidance, and collaboration with University leaders and administrators.
Build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, donors, government agencies, community leaders, and external partners.
Monitor national legal developments affecting higher education and consult with relevant professional associations and legal organizations.
Maintain membership in the National Association of College and University Attorneys and other organizations as requested.
Maintain positive and supportive working relationships with co-workers and supervisors, demonstrate commitment to belonging, and participate in related learning activities and workshops.
Serve as a mandatory reporter under Title IX and complete annual Title IX training and other compliance requirements.
Follow safety procedures and protocols, promptly report safety hazards or incidents, and help foster a workplace culture of safety.
Perform related and other duties as needed.