University Counsel/Chief Legal Officer, George Mason University

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Fairfax, VA

1d•$250,000 - $310,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as chief legal officer and agency counsel for George Mason University, Virginia’s largest and most diverse public research university with over 40,000 students across multiple campuses in Northern Virginia. The University Counsel serves as the University’s lead attorney and provides comprehensive legal services across all aspects of university operations, including the Antonin Scalia Law School. Serving as agency counsel requires advising decision-makers throughout the organization on the legal risks and obligations associated with their duties as employees or board members. The University Counsel may also represent the University in state or federal court, before regulatory bodies and to third parties in pre-litigation and transactional matters. Additionally, this individual will provide other legal services to the Commonwealth as directed by the Office of the Attorney General.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of the 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 fundamental subjects in law including 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 the preparation of briefs and presentation of arguments for cases before state and federal agencies and courts
Knowledge of the practices and procedures of the Office of the Attorney General
Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing legal operations
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse audiences including boards, senior executives, faculty, and staff
Ability to use judgment, tact and discretion in handling sensitive and complex matters
Ability to quickly assimilate oral and written data, to analyze complex facts, and draw logical conclusions
Ability to express legal interpretations or conclusions of law clearly and logically in oral and written form
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence related to the work
Ability to organize work, establish priorities, and maintain good interpersonal relations and communications with other attorneys and support staff as well as effective working relationships with university administrators, Board members, faculty, government officials, vendors and the general public
Ability to coordinate and function as lead counsel for a large, diverse research university
Ability to spot potential barriers and identify resolutions to complex legal concerns
Ability to identify and analyze issues and problems in management, governance, and human relations and to recommend and implement solutions
Skills of 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 all university campuses and operations
Lead and coordinate the Office of University Counsel, working with associate counsel and support staff to provide comprehensive legal services
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 law school accreditation, academic programs, and law school operations
Identify legal limitations on policy decisions or operational actions proposed by the University and its various schools, departments, and affiliated entities
Establish and maintain relationships with University leadership, faculty, staff, and Board members to foster well-informed decision-making
Counsel University leadership on legal risks associated with the operation of institutional programs, research activities, and multi-campus operations
Conduct research to provide cogent legal analysis and stay abreast of developments in higher education law, technology law, and other relevant areas
Provide written advice and recommendations, typically by e-mail or through formal memoranda and presentations
Advise the Board of Visitors on policy-setting, governance, and compliance matters
Represent the University in defending and resolving complaints filed in state or federal court or before regulatory bodies
Recommend and negotiate settlement of disputes in accordance with OAG procedures
Review and revise drafts of institutional policies and contracts prior to execution, as requested by clients
Advise institutional leadership on personnel matters, including faculty appointments, employment disputes, and labor relations
Provide training and advice on legal compliance matters such as 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 institutional decision-makers tasked with 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 multiple campus locations
Review and comment on draft regulations and advise on compliance with the Administrative Process Act
Advise on real estate transactions and review and approve as to form deeds and related documents
Coordinate with the Office of the Attorney General on matters requiring additional resources or specialized expertise
Recommend use of outside counsel as appropriate and administer contracts in accordance with OAG procedures
Participate in OAG bill review process as assigned
Contribute to OAG opinions process as assigned
Share expertise with attorneys in the Education Section and throughout the OAG as requested
Manage office operations and budget
Performs other related duties as required.