University Counsel/Chief Legal Officer, George Mason University

DHRM•Fairfax, VA

About The Position

The University Counsel serves as George Mason University’s chief legal officer and agency counsel. The role provides comprehensive legal services across university operations, including the Antonin Scalia Law School, and advises decision-makers on legal risks and obligations associated with their responsibilities as employees or Board members. The position may represent the University in state or federal court, before regulatory bodies, and in pre-litigation and transactional matters. The attorney may also provide other legal services to the Commonwealth as directed by the Office of the Attorney General. The role leads and coordinates the Office of University Counsel, advising the Board of Visitors, President, Provost, Deans, and senior administrators across the University’s campuses and operations. Its work covers complex legal issues involving academic affairs, research, students, employment, intellectual property, technology and cybersecurity, real estate, finance, athletics, and regulatory compliance. The University Counsel also manages office operations and budget, coordinates with the Office of the Attorney General, and performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of law related to public institutions of higher education, including large, multi-campus research universities, developed through academic training, seminars, and substantial legal experience in the specialty area.
Knowledge of employment law, public procurement and contracting, FOIA, FERPA, Title IX, Title VI, constitutional rights, intellectual property, technology and cybersecurity law, research compliance, data management, and real estate.
Knowledge of legal research procedures and advanced legal analysis.
Knowledge of preparing briefs and presenting arguments in cases before state and federal agencies and courts.
Knowledge of the practices and procedures of the Office of the Attorney General.
Demonstrated leadership skills and experience managing legal operations.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with diverse audiences including boards, senior executives, faculty, and staff.
Ability to use judgment, tact, and discretion when handling sensitive and complex matters.
Ability to assimilate oral and written information quickly, analyze complex facts, and draw logical conclusions.
Ability to express legal interpretations or conclusions clearly and logically in oral and written form.
Ability to maintain records and prepare work-related reports and correspondence.
Ability to organize work, establish priorities, and maintain effective interpersonal and working relationships with attorneys, support staff, university administrators, Board members, faculty, government officials, vendors, and the public.
Ability to coordinate and function as lead counsel for a large, diverse research university.
Ability to identify potential barriers and resolutions to complex legal concerns.
Ability to identify and analyze management, governance, and human relations issues and recommend and implement solutions.
Skills in persuasion, consensus building, and conflict resolution.
Computer literacy.
Membership in the Virginia State Bar.

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel and strategic advice to the Board of Visitors, President, Provost, Deans, and senior administrators across university campuses and operations.
Lead and coordinate the Office of University Counsel, working with associate counsel and support staff.
Advise on complex legal matters affecting university operations, including academic affairs, research, student matters, employment law, intellectual property, technology and cybersecurity law, real estate, finance, athletics, and regulatory compliance.
Provide specialized counsel related to the Antonin Scalia Law School, including accreditation, academic programs, and operations.
Identify legal limitations on proposed policy decisions or operational actions by the University and its schools, departments, and affiliated entities.
Build and maintain relationships with University leadership, faculty, staff, and Board members to support informed decision-making.
Counsel University leadership on legal risks associated with institutional programs, research activities, and multi-campus operations.
Conduct legal research and stay current on developments in higher education law, technology law, and other relevant areas.
Provide written advice and recommendations, including by email, formal memoranda, and presentations.
Advise the Board of Visitors on policy-setting, governance, and compliance matters.
Represent the University in defending and resolving complaints in state or federal court or before regulatory bodies.
Recommend and negotiate dispute settlements in accordance with Office of the Attorney General procedures.
Review and revise draft institutional policies and contracts before execution, as requested.
Advise leadership on personnel matters, including faculty appointments, employment disputes, and labor relations.
Provide training and advice on compliance matters including FOIA, COIA, FERPA, GDCDPA, the Public Records Act, Title IX, Title VI, ADA, procurement processes, research regulations, and other laws applicable to public universities.
Advise decision-makers conducting student disciplinary processes and faculty grievance matters.
Advise campus safety personnel, including university police and threat assessment teams, on policy development, statistical reporting, and incident response across campuses.
Review and comment on draft regulations and advise on compliance with the Administrative Process Act.
Advise on real estate transactions and review and approve deeds and related documents as to form.
Coordinate with the Office of the Attorney General on matters requiring additional resources or specialized expertise.
Recommend outside counsel when appropriate and administer contracts in accordance with Office of the Attorney General procedures.
Participate in the Office of the Attorney General bill review process as assigned.
Contribute to the Office of the Attorney General opinions process as assigned.
Share expertise with attorneys in the Education Section and throughout the Office of the Attorney General as requested.
Manage office operations and budget.
Perform other related duties as required.