The Catholic University of America

The Office of General Counsel manages the legal affairs of the University, including providing legal advice, managing litigation and legal risk, contract drafting and review, compliance oversight, policy development and oversight, and preventative law initiatives. The Associate General Counsel supports the General Counsel in providing counsel in all areas of the University, including issues relating to the employment law, procurement and student affairs. Acts in the absence of the Deputy General Counsel; supports the Office of General Counsel in providing legal advice and services to the University officers and administrators, including the President, vice presidents, deans and other senior managers; drafts, reviews, negotiates, and/or approves contracts and agreements regarding legally compliant substance and form; performs legal research and analysis; supports and maintains the University-wide policy system; engages in litigation preparation and support in the interests of the University and its mission in adverse actions; fulfills the obligations of the Office of the General Counsel relating to community advisory boards and ANCs. Cover letters are requested. 

The projected salary pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: $115,000 - $175,000 depending on experience. 

• Advise the University on legal compliance obligations under state, local and federal law and regulations; design, recommend and implement compliance initiatives; consult, engage and supervise outside counsel as necessary.
• Advise senior managers on new developments and trends, including in regulation of higher education, and the impact of court decisions on University operations; recommend changes to University policies, procedures and operations for compliance with legal obligations or mitigation of legal risk, including employment, copyright, tax, Title IX, and other laws, Equal Opportunity, GLB, FERPA, ADA, research compliance, etc.
• Under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel, anticipate, identify and resolve legal issues of concern to the University. Develops appropriate legal strategies, solutions and controls in situations of legal risk to the University.
• Review and/or approve contracts and other legal documents across all areas of University operations.
• Assist in maintaining the University’s accreditation and/or educational and business licensure in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and other states, location and countries where the University conducts business.
• Advise senior managers on legal compliance obligations under foreign law for all study abroad programs, including foreign law compliance and for drafting of foreign legal, financial and employment agreements.
• Assist outside counsel with University’s litigation, communicating the University’s mission and processes to counsel and preparing University witnesses and documents to advance the mission and contain costs.
• Work with and maintain relationships with national organizations to enhance the University’s reputation in the legal-educational community (e.g., Chronicle of Higher Education, NACUA, ACE, etc.).
• Reviews and provides significant oversight for management of litigation, approval of contracts and negotiation/approval of legal and affiliation agreements.

J.D. Degree and a minimum of five (5) years of experience is strongly preferred. Experience should include work in private practice in areas relating to litigation, employment, commercial matters and regulatory matters. Member in good standing of a state bar association. Demonstrated research and writing ability. Knowledge of one or more of the following: employment, health, higher education, corporate governance, real estate, endowment, privacy, legal compliance. Experience in general legal knowledge and ability to advise clients; knowledge of state, local and foreign law; ability to assemble and lead cross-disciplinary teams.