Working Title                               Associate General Counsel

Department                                  Legal Affairs Office

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

College/Unit/Department website

legal.uga.edu

Posting Type                               External

Retirement Plan                          TRS or ORP

Employment Type                     Employee

Benefits Eligibility                      Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time                               Full Time

Additional Schedule Information

8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Advertised Salary                     $110,000-130,000

Posting Date                              03/04/2024

Open until filled                         Yes

Proposed Starting Date            07/01/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is open until filled with priority given to applications submitted by April 1, 2024. 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.

Location of Vacancy                 Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement               The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

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 admissions to practice law in the State of Georgia.

Applicants for this position should have a minimum of seven years of experience with a focus on employment law. Experience relevant to higher education law, including faulty affairs, is also preferred.

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

Position Summary                     This position is one of approximately ten 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. This position is to be focused on Human Resources and Faculty Affairs.

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 diverse constituents in a large public institution.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; and sound judgment.

Physical Demands

Sitting, walking/moving.

Is driving a responsibility

of this position?                         No

Is this a Position of

Trust?                                           No

Does this position have operation, access, or                                                        No

control of financial

resources?

Does this position require

a P-Card?                                     No

Is having a P-Card an

essential function of this         No

position?

Does this position have direct interaction or care

of children under the age        No

of 18 or direct patient care?

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security,

personnel records,                    No

patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

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.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities             Advice and counseling to assigned units, including Human Resources and Faculty Affairs.

Percentage of time                     80

Duties/Responsibilities             Other duties assigned by General Counsel.

Percentage of time                     20