Job InformationTitle: University Counsel/Chief Legal Officer, George Mason UniversityState Role Title: Senior Assistant Attorney GeneralHiring Range: $250,000-$310,000Pay Band: UGAgency: Attorney General & Dept of LawLocation: Northern VirginiaAgency Website: Type: General Public - GJob SummaryChief Objective: 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.ResponsibilitiesProvide legal counsel and strategic advice to the Board of Visitors, President, Provost, Deans, and senior administrators across all university campuses and operationsLead and coordinate the Office of University Counsel, working with associate counsel and support staff to provide comprehensive legal servicesAdvise 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 complianceProvide specialized counsel related to the Antonin Scalia Law School, including law school accreditation, academic programs, and law school operationsIdentify legal limitations on policy decisions or operational actions proposed by the University and its various schools, departments, and affiliated entitiesEstablish and maintain relationships with University leadership, faculty, staff, and Board members to foster well‑informed decision‑makingCounsel University leadership on legal risks associated with the operation of institutional programs, research activities, and multi‑campus operationsConduct research to provide cogent legal analysis and stay abreast of developments in higher education law, technology law, and other relevant areasProvide written advice and recommendations, typically by e‑mail or through formal memoranda and presentationsAdvise the Board of Visitors on policy‑setting, governance, and compliance mattersRepresent the University in defending and resolving complaints filed in state or federal court or before regulatory bodiesRecommend and negotiate settlement of disputes in accordance with OAG proceduresReview and revise drafts of institutional policies and contracts prior to execution, as requested by clientsAdvise institutional leadership on personnel matters, including faculty appointments, employment disputes, and labor relationsProvide 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 universitiesAdvise institutional decision‑makers tasked with conducting student disciplinary processes and faculty grievance mattersAdvise campus safety personnel, including university police and threat assessment teams, on policy development, statistical reporting, and incident response across multiple campus locationsReview and comment on draft regulations and advise on compliance with the Administrative Process ActAdvise on real estate transactions and review and approve as to form deeds and related documentsCoordinate with the Office of the Attorney General on matters requiring additional resources or specialized expertiseRecommend use of outside counsel as appropriate and administer contracts in accordance with OAG proceduresParticipate in OAG bill review process as assignedContribute to OAG opinions process as assignedShare expertise with attorneys in the Education Section and throughout the OAG as requestedManage office operations and budgetPerform other related duties as requiredMinimum QualificationsExtensive 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 areaKnowledge 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 estateKnowledge of legal research procedures and advanced legal analysisKnowledge of the preparation of briefs and presentation of arguments for cases before state and federal agencies and courtsKnowledge of the practices and procedures of the Office of the Attorney GeneralDemonstrated leadership skills with experience managing legal operationsAbility to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse audiences including boards, senior executives, faculty, and staffAbility to use judgment, tact and discretion in handling sensitive and complex mattersAbility to quickly assimilate oral and written data, to analyze complex facts, and draw logical conclusionsAbility to express legal interpretations or conclusions of law clearly and logically in oral and written formAbility to maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence related to the workAbility 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 publicAbility to coordinate and function as lead counsel for a large, diverse research universityAbility to spot potential barriers and identify resolutions to complex legal concernsAbility to identify and analyze issues and problems in management, governance, and human relations and to recommend and implement solutionsSkills of persuasion, consensus building and conflict resolutionComputer literacyMembership in the Virginia State BarEEO StatementIn support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. (Service instructions omitted for brevity.)Notably, applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022 and February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.#J-18808-Ljbffr