Description

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Advertised Salary $120,000 - 140,000 Posting Date 06/20/2025 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 09/01/2025 Special Instructions to Applicants
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 less than seven years of experience relevant to higher education law may apply for the open Assistant General Counsel position here: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/434995.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy Statement
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 ([email protected]).
USG Core Values Statement
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.

Position Information

Classification Title Attorney FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications
Terminal degree required. Additional professional licensure and/or certification in the field may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
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 a minimum of seven years of experience relevant to higher education law (applicants with less experience may apply for the open Assistant General Counsel position here: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/434995).

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

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.

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.

Associate General Counsel positions are intended for attorneys with 7+ years of experience. Associate General Counsels are expected to work with an extremely high level of independence, providing counsel to assigned units with little oversight by the General Counsel. Associate General Counsels are also expected to represent the Office of Legal Affairs and the General Counsel on committees, in meetings with top UGA and USG officials, and in coordination with the Attorney General's Office. Subject matter expertise and close working relationships with assigned units are required of Associate General Counsels, as well as sensitivity to emerging and complex issues.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Plan and manage a variety of tasks
• Work effectively with wide variety of constituents in a large public institution
• Strong analytical, legal-research, and problem-solving skills and sound judgment

Physical Demands

• Standard for a typical office environment
• Sitting, standing, walking/moving

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy
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.
Background Investigation Policy
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.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities
Advice and counseling to assigned units
Percentage of time 80 Duties/Responsibilities
Other duties assigned by General Counsel
Percentage of time 20

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Lindsay Smith Recruitment Contact Email [email protected] Recruitment Contact Phone 706-542-0006

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Have you been admitted to practice law in the State of Georgia, or are you eligible for admission through reciprocity or passing of the Georgia bar exam within one (1) year of employment?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents