General Counsel

Celebrating 150 years, Dillard
University has consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top liberal arts
universities. With historical ties to the United Methodist Church and the
Church of Christ, Dillard consistently produces graduates that excel in a
variety of fields. As a historically Black university, the institution
maintains a tradition that supports a mission which has advocated that all
people, regardless of background, can succeed in higher education. 

We have an exciting opportunity
for a team oriented professional who values the HBCU experience and wants to
play a comprehensive role in the campus community. 

GENERAL COUNSEL 

The General Counsel serves as Chief Legal Affairs Officer for the University and as legal advisor to the President, senior administrators, and department heads on all aspects of the
University’s operation. The General Counsel attends all Board meetings and is a member of the President’s Cabinet. 

The duties include, but are not limited to: Assists in formulating and implementing institutional strategies for preventing legal challenges; Drafts and reviews legal documents including,
but not limited to, contracts, memoranda of agreement, memoranda of law, policies and procedures; Advises management on issues related to all federal, state, & local laws, rules, & ordinances relating to labor & employment, including Title VII, Title IX, ADEA, ADA, PHRA, PFPO, FMLA, FLSA, & OSHA; Provides support and advisement to administrators for compliance with affirmative action statutes for all employment categories and with equal opportunity statutes and regulations for academic employment and student matters; Develops contracts for legal services and retains and manages outside counsel on behalf of the University. 

This position will work closely and collaboratively with various areas of the University, such as Human Resources, Student Affairs and Campus Security. Additionally, this position
will play an important consultant role to most major functions on the campus. 

A Juris Doctorate degree required from an ABA accredited law school. Must be admitted in good standing in Louisiana or other state bar; admission to Louisiana bar required within one (1) year of appointment. A minimum of five (5) years legal experience required. Experience working in higher education or employment law is highly preferred. 

In addition, as wonderfully stated in Lawrence White’s monograph, “Managing Your Campus Legal Needs: An Essential Guide to Selecting Counsel,” we are looking for someone with excellent judgment, critical thinking, strong writing, and reasoning skills, persuasiveness, the ability to command respect, and unquestioned integrity; a positive, can-do attitude; skill at interpersonal relations; decisive yet willing to accept risk; and access to decisions in progress. 

Review of nominations and applications will begin immediately, with position available August 1, 2019. Nominations and applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three (3) professional references, and official transcripts (upon request).  

NO PHONE INQUIRIES

Dillard University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Individuals who require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to participate in the search process should notify the Office of Human Resources.