Job Vacancy AnnouncementPosition Information Functional Title University General Counsel Position Type Administrative/Professional Appointment Type Regular FTE % 100%Work Schedule (if atypical)University Overview Embark on an exciting journey with the University of La Verne, where your career aspirations come to life in a vibrant and welcoming environment. Established in 1891, our diverse and inclusive community is more than just a university-it's a home for passionate individuals like you.At the University of La Verne, we embody four core values that set us apart-Ethical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning, and Civic and Community Engagement. If you're fueled by these principles and are eager to make a meaningful impact, your journey begins here.With a rich history spanning 132 years, the University of La Verne boasts a global Leo Family of 89,000+ accomplished alumni. As the #1 private university in California for social mobility according to U.S. News and World Report 2024, and recently recognized as the 33rd Best U.S. College by the Wall Street Journal 2024, we take pride in our commitment to excellence in education.Join us in shaping the future, where your passion meets purpose. Come be part of something extraordinary and apply today!Diversity Statement The University supports a diverse and inclusive environment where students recognize and benefit from the life experiences and viewpoints of other students, faculty, and staff. Diversity is an active and intentional practice that supports difference and multiplicity to expand knowledge, educate capable citizens, develop the whole person, and serve our local and global communities. Promoting and sustaining diversity is a commitment to educational quality and the creation of positive, respectful learning communities.Job Description Summary The University Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel is the chief legal affairs officer of the University. This is an exciting career growth opportunity for a legal professional who is looking to support the growth of nationally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution that values the social mobility of its students and the modernization of their education in keeping with the latest technology and pedagogy. The General Counsel provides legal advice to foster sound decision-making in all areas of operation, instruction, research and administration. The General Counsel provides overall strategic and ethical leadership and direction for all legal matters involving the University, including employment matters, California wage and hour laws, student affairs, education law, regulatory matters, risk assessment, compliance issues, contracts, construction, government relations, finance, and research and sponsored grants, and governance issues. The General Counsel selects, retains, and monitors the work of outside counsel on a case-by-case basis, for both risk prevention and litigation management purposes, and monitors attendant costs. The General Counsel reports directly to the President of the University and consults regularly with the President, Provost, Deans, Human Resources, Student Affairs, Title IX Office, and Board of Trustees. The General Counsel also advises on policy updates and policy development, investigations, and training programming to promote compliance and reduce legal and operational risks. A highly experienced paralegal reports to the position.Minimum Qualifications
- Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school
- Membership in good standing in the State Bar of California
- 5 years of years of Practice as Attorney
- 5 years of litigation experience
- More or less years of experience may be required/accepted depending on strength and context of credentials and experience
- California and federal employment and civil rights law
- Demonstrated excellent verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated excellent written skills
- Demonstrated collaboration skills; ability to form and maintain professional relationships with internal and external partners; diligence; commitment to ethical problem-solving
- Demonstrated ability to gain trust and maintain confidentiality
Preferred Qualifications
- Higher education legal knowledge and experience is strongly preferred
Benefits Summary Applicants, please note that actual compensation is determined by several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, certifications, relevant education or training, and specific work location, among others. The offered wage or salary is only one aspect of an employee's total compensationBenefits include a comprehensive health and wellness plan, tuition remission program for employee, spouse, and dependent children, a generous contribution to the University's 403B retirement plan, and a generous time off plan.Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.Location La Verne Main Campus Number of Vacancies 1Duties Specific Duties Provides advice on legal matters, issues, and policies such as: employment matters, California wage and hour laws, student affairs, education law, regulatory matters, risk assessment, compliance issues, contracts, construction, government relations, finance, and research and sponsored grants, and governance issues. Consults regularly with the President, Provost, Deans, Human Resources, Student Affairs, Title IX Office, and Board of Trustees.Percentage Of Time 25 Specific Duties Develops and implements an ethical vision and strategic plan for the University'slegal services. Manages the Office of General Counsel. Establishes a clearly understood framework for legal policies within the Office of the General Counsel Supports the University's functions and business through the delivery of legal support and guidance. Manages and oversees work of Office of General Counsel paralegal in tasks including responses to subpoenas and other requests for information.Percentage Of Time 10 Specific Duties Reviews and advises on updates and development of university policies, procedures, and handbooks including drafts of new policies, procedures, and handbooks and advises administrators and faculty on the same. Identifies and manages legal risk consistent with university priorities defined by the Trustees, President, Cabinet Members and other senior leaders, human resources, administrators, faculty, and staffPercentage Of Time 15 Specific Duties Selects, retains, and/or monitors the work of outside counsel on a case-by-case basis, for both risk prevention and litigation management purposes, and monitors attendant costs. Reports on and accounts to university administration for all claims/litigation asserted against or otherwise involving the University and its employees. In this capacity, and while representing the interests of the University, works closely with the University's insurance carrier's representatives and adjusters. Manages insurance reporting in conjunction with Office paralegal and University Risk Manager.Percentage Of Time 15 Specific Duties Provides counsel to administrators and faculty regarding proposed or existing University contracts; provides for review of University contracts. Maintains University licensing, trademark, and copyright agreements.Percentage Of Time 10 Specific Duties Functions as an integral partner within the senior leadership team. Reports all essential legal matters and issues to the Board of Trustee's at their quarterly meetings. The position is also expected to work with and coordinate with any Ad-Hoc committees created by the Board of Trustees.Percentage Of Time 10 Specific Duties Collaborates and helps coordinate with various campus departments to ensure the University operates within the appropriate legal governance framework; to provide training and training materials on legal issues to appropriate constituencies when education is helpful to maintain or further University objectives; to educate, advise, and counsel faculty, staff and students to reduceor transfer risks.Percentage Of Time 10 Specific Duties Partners with Office of Strategic Communication to ensure consistent messaging when representing the University to the public.Other matters as assigned by the President.Percentage Of Time 5Salary Range Minimum: $188,515 Maximum: $238,482Posting Detail Information Posting Number 2024-251062SA Special Instructions to ApplicantsOpen Date 01/10/2025 Close DateOpen Until Filled Yes