Assistant General Counsel

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

The Office of Legal Affairs is the University of Georgia's in-house legal counsel.
Attorneys in the Office of Legal Affairs provide legal advice and counseling to the University through its administrators, faculty, and staff in the course of their duties on behalf of the University. The Office of Legal Affairs does not provide legal advice to administrators, faculty, staff, or students in their individual capacities.

In addition to providing legal counseling to the University, other areas of
responsibility for the Office of Legal Affairs include policy interpretation and
advice, administration of the University's grievance and dispute resolution
procedures, contract review, and - in conjunction with the Attorney General -
management of actual or threatened litigation in which the University is involved.
The Office of Legal Affairs is also available to provide training and informative
programs on legal issues applicable to units of the University.

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

This position is open until filled with priority given to applications submitted by July 20, 2025.

Please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and three references. The letter of interest should address applicant's interest in the position, qualifications, and relevant experience.

Applicants with 7+ years of experience relevant to higher education law may apply for the open Associate General Counsel position here: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/435009 .

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Terminal degree required. Additional professional licensure and/or certification in the field may be required.

The successful applicant should have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, strong academic credentials, and be admitted or immediately eligible for admission to practice law in the State of Georgia.

Applicants for this position should have 2+ years of experience relevant to higher education law (applicants with 7+ years of experience may apply for the open Associate General Counsel position here: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/435009).

Successful candidate should live or be willing to promptly relocate to the Athens area.

This position is one of ten full-time attorneys in the University of Georgia's Office of Legal Affairs, the University's in-house legal counsel. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, attorneys in the office provide legal advice and counseling to the University through its administrators, faculty, and staff in the course of their duties on behalf of the University.

In addition to providing legal counseling to the University on a wide variety of legal issues, other areas of responsibility for the Office of Legal Affairs include administration of the University's grievance and dispute resolution procedures, policy interpretation, contract review, and - in conjunction with the Attorney General - management of actual or threatened litigation in which the University is involved.

Each attorney in the office has direct responsibility for specific substantive areas and units. Areas of responsibility sometimes change to meet the needs of the unit and institution.

Assistant General Counsel positions are intended for attorneys with 2+ years of experience with developing expertise relevant to higher education law. Assistant General Counsels develop subject matter expertise and foster close working relationships with assigned units.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.