"General Counsel"

Position Summary

Reporting to the President, the General Counsel is responsible for the management and oversight of legal matters that affect the College and its operations. The position deals with complex, challenging, and ever-changing legal issues that have a material and substantial impact on the ability of the College to operate and achieve its mission. Primary focus areas include, but are not limited to: personnel issues; student issues; human resources issues; real estate; contract development and review; educational program articulation and clinical affiliation agreements; business and educational institution relationships; use of college facilities; strategic communications and public relations issues; diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; accommodations and accessibility; intellectual property; data security and identity theft prevention; policy drafting and review; governance, Open Meetings Act, and Maryland Public Information Act compliance. A successful General Counsel will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop and review college policies, ensuring they reflect legal requirements and align with the institution’s values. The incumbent will be a highly competent attorney and strategist who is innovative, collaborative, and decisive, yet flexible and committed to and supportive of the College’s diverse population.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Legal Representation & Risk Management: Oversees outside counsel in litigation to ensure proper representation of the College; reviews litigation-related documents such as complaints, motions, discovery, and appeals. Partners with Risk Management on insurance and indemnification issues related to pre-litigation and litigation matters. Identifies potential legal risks and develops strategies to mitigate them. Conducts legal reviews of responses to internal and external complaints.
• Legal Advice, Compliance & Support: Provides legal advice on employment matters, torts, contracts, commercial transactions, and student and faculty affairs. Offers legal support and strategic counsel to College administrators, participating early in decision-making processes to improve the quality of decisions and mitigate legal risk. Collaborates closely with the Chief Compliance and Fair Practices Officer and the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. Monitors federal and state legislation, advising on compliance-related changes as needed. Collaborates with legal counsel for the College Foundation and provides support where appropriate.
• Policy & Document Review: Reviews and presents proposed actions to the President and Vice Presidents concerning College policies, procedures, manuals, handbooks, reports, contracts, personnel actions, and other legally significant matters. Reviews materials from College departments for legal sufficiency and compliance. Prepares legal documents such as agreements, legal opinions, memoranda, and responses to demands or charges.
• Reporting & Administration: Prepares and submits monthly legal reports to the President, and when directed, to the Board of Trustees. Manages the Office of General Counsel’s budget and approves all expenditures.
• Supervision & Team Oversight: Supervises the Part-time Associate General Counsel, providing oversight on work products, conducting performance reviews, and supporting professional development. Provides direction and feedback to a shared administrative assistant.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate is required.
• Licensed to practice law in Maryland.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience in civil or government practice, including at least 3 years representing or working with institutions of higher education.
• Experience in employment discrimination, breach of contract, and tort matters required.
• In good standing with the Maryland Bar.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to anticipate issues and concerns whenever possible.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including skills in consulting, mediation, negotiation, and advocacy, which accommodate conflicting interests and viewpoints of individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated work as a key strategist who is innovative and collaborative.
• Ability to act as a champion for the College’s values, fostering a legal framework that reflects and reinforces our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to represent the College in administrative proceedings.
• Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions; analyze and interpret issues; and prepare legal opinions.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently, exercise initiative, and function effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple and changing priorities and objectives.
• Ability to successfully work both independently and collaboratively with diverse populations and members of the various College constituencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten or more years of increasing legal experience in civil, governmental, or higher education practice.
• Ability to remain calm, rational, and focused in handling daily issues as well as in crisis situations.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence.
• Experience in employment and labor law.
• Three years of experience in a managerial and supervisory capacity.