General Counsel

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer to the University of Mississippi, the Chancellor, administrative officers, faculty, and staff when acting within the course and scope of their employment. The General Counsel leads a staff of legal professionals that provide legal counsel in the practice areas of governance; academic and student affairs; employment law; research; intellectual property; disputes, enforcement and emergencies; facilities, finance, procurement and business contracts; open government laws, constitutional law and health affairs; athletics, and direct support organizations. The General Counsel will also play a key role in coordinating with the University of Mississippi Medical Center on legal matters, working closely with its General Counsel.

Job Responsibilities
• Providing legal representation to the university in all legal matters, including interpreting laws and regulations and directing litigation
• Interacting with and representing the university’s interests to external agencies of the City of Oxford, state and federal government, including state and federal courts
• Supervising the associate and assistant general counsels and support staff and coordinating and supervising outside legal counsel in all assigned litigation and in other legal matters
• Serving as a partner and advisor to the University of Mississippi Medical Center
• Participating in the definition and development of policies, procedures, and programs and provide continuing legal counsel and guidance on all matters
• Advising senior leaders on a broad range of federal, state, and local regulatory and compliance matters
• Actively participating in executive level meetings related to the future direction of the university
• Advising on the legal aspects of student activities including student discipline, admissions, financial aid, housing, athletics, and student conduct

Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited institution; licensed and in good standing as a member of a state bar; must be a member of the Mississippi Bar or become a member of the Mississippi Bar within 12 months of employment; a minimum of ten years of experience as a practicing attorney and prior experience in the supervision of legal professional and paraprofessional staff.

Special instructions to applicants
Please check to see which documents (i.e., resume, CV, cover letter, list of references) are associated with this posting. Prior to applying for the position, prepare the electronic versions of these documents to upload or to “copy and paste” when prompted. You will not have the opportunity to attach them after you apply.

An official copy of your transcript is required upon hire for this position.

Applicants must meet the posted minimum qualifications for the position at the time of completing and submitting an application.

All positions will be open until an adequate applicant pool has been reached.

EEO Statement
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Work Schedule
If part-time, specific number of hours per week
Published Salary Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience.
Exceptional Employment Benefits
The University of Mississippi is proud to offer a comprehensive salary and generous benefits package. Benefits include employer-paid portions of medical, dental, vision, and tuition waiver programs for employees and dependents. In addition, the UM retirement program includes an employer contribution. UM offers generous paid holiday time off, personal (vacation) and medical leave for most employees – staff members accrue personal and medical leave based on their years of service. UM was named the state’s healthiest workplace among all Mississippi colleges and universities and offers wellness programs. For eight consecutive years, UM has been recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for by The Chronicle of Higher Education. For information about our employee benefits package, visit: Employee Benefits Overview (http://hr.olemiss.edu/benefits/).