Job Description
The General Counsel (GC) serves as the university?s senior legal advisor, responsible for providing strategic, ethical, and solution-oriented legal guidance to institutional leadership. Reporting to the President, the GC oversees the Office of General Counsel and is a key member of the senior leadership team, supporting the university?s mission and providing practical, thoughtful, and independent legal advice and counsel.
This individual will lead an excellent and cohesive team of over 10 attorneys and 6 experienced legal professionals and will serve as a critical liaison between internal stakeholders and external legal partners, including outside counsel. The GC will help navigate complex regulatory environments and offer timely and practical advice on issues impacting higher education and academic medical centers. This role is an excellent opportunity for a skilled attorney and seasoned administrator to contribute to the ongoing success of the state?s flagship university.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
About the University of Arizona
University of Arizona (U of A) is a leading public research university with a dynamic network of campuses and a nationally recognized medical center. As a mission-driven institution dedicated to education, research, patient care, and public service, University of Arizona serves a variety of communities and drives innovation throughout the region and beyond.
Surrounded by picturesque mountains and Saguaro forests, the University of Arizona is proudly rooted in the land-grant tradition, serving its people through a mission of accessible, excellent education coupled with cutting-edge research to drive social, cultural, and economic impact within the state and around the world. Established in 1885, UA?s extraordinary community ? faculty, postdocs, students, and staff ? continues to tackle the world's most pressing challenges while enriching student learning and forging transformative partnerships with government, industry, and nonprofit organizations. The flagship institution for the state of Arizona now offers more than 150 majors and programs of study in 20 different degree-granting colleges. Driven by the work of a top-tier group of approximately 3,800 faculty, 14,000 staff, and a robust array of research institutes and centers, the University ranked among the nation?s top 20 public research institutions for the sixth consecutive year according to the NSF, with research expenditures surpassing $1B for FY24. The University of Arizona enrolls 56,500 students across its four main campuses, including over 11,000 graduate students.
The University also has one of the most diverse student bodies of any major research university in the nation. It is one of only 22 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the U.S. that have a Carnegie Classification of Highest Research Activity (R1).
- Serve as chief legal advisor to the President and senior leadership on a broad range of legal and policy matters
- Lead and manage the Office of the General Counsel, including attorneys and legal support staff, fostering a high-performing, service-oriented culture
- Provide expert legal counsel in areas involving higher education law, medical center and healthcare law, employment issues, student affairs and faculty governance, research compliance, intellectual property, Title IX and civil rights laws, crisis response and risk management, contracts and procurement, real estate, and regulatory compliance
- Secure and coordinate outside counsel on specialized legal matters as needed
- Develop and oversee institutional policies and procedures on legal compliance and risk mitigation in partnership with internal stakeholders such as Human Resources, Office of the Provost, University Athletics, and others
- Lead and coordinate the institution?s response to litigation or any potential legal challenges
- Interpret legislation, regulations, and case law affecting public higher education and academic medicine
- Support university leadership on matters of governance and legal compliance
- Advise on internal investigations, audits, and disputes with legal exposure or reputational risk
- Collaborate with senior leadership across the university community to align legal strategy with operational and academic goals, ensure they operate within regulatory frameworks, and provide counsel to leaders pursuing strategic initiatives
- Collaborate with the Chief Government Relations Officer, Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships, and other team members on strategies for engaging local, state, and federal officials and agencies in support of the university?s mission and strategic imperatives
- Serve as a visible, trusted advisor and represent the university in high-level legal and regulatory fora
Leadership Competencies
- Impeccable judgment, strategic thinking, and ability to manage risk in a complex, high-stakes environment
- Exemplary and effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and concisely
- Inclusive leadership style that values collaboration, transparency, and staff development
- Highest integrity and commitment to public service, equity, and institutional accountability
- Highest level of discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive legal matters and information
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active member in good standing of a state bar, with eligibility for admission to practice law in Arizona within one year of hire
- At least 15 years of progressively responsible legal experience, with significant leadership experience in a complex organization
- At least 8 years of demonstrated expertise in areas of law relevant to public higher education, academic healthcare, and/or research institutions
- Senior legal leadership experience at a large public university, academic medical center, or similarly complex public sector institution
- Prior experience managing and mentoring legal professionals
- Familiarity with the governance, compliance, and regulatory environment of public higher education systems
- Strong understanding of the intersection of legal guidance and institutional mission, particularly in public service and access-driven settings
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.