University Counsel​/Chief Legal Officer, University of Virginia

Job Duties

Chief Objective:
This position serves as chief legal officer and agency counsel for the University of Virginia, including the Academic Division and UVA Health System. The University Counsel serves as the University’s lead attorney and supervises a legal team of deputy and associate university counsel attorneys providing comprehensive legal services across all aspects of university operations. Serving as agency counsel requires advising decision-makers throughout the organization on the legal risks and obligations associated with their duties as employees or board members.

The University Counsel may also represent the University in state or federal court, before regulatory bodies and to third parties in pre-litigation and transactional matters. Additionally, this individual will provide other legal services to the Commonwealth as directed by the Office of the Attorney General.

• Lead and supervise a team of deputy and associate university counsel attorneys providing legal services to all aspects of UVA operations
• Provide legal counsel and strategic advice to the Board of Visitors, President, Executive Vice President, Provost, Deans, and senior administrators
• Advise on complex legal matters affecting both the Academic Division and UVA Health System, including healthcare law, research, academic affairs, student matters, employment law, intellectual property, real estate, finance, and regulatory compliance
• Identify legal limitations on policy decisions or operational actions proposed by the University and its various schools, departments, and affiliated entities
• Establish and maintain relationships with University leadership, faculty, staff, and Board members to foster well-informed decision-making
• Counsel University leadership on legal risks associated with the operation of institutional programs, healthcare operations, and research activities
• Conduct research to provide cogent legal analysis and stay abreast of developments in higher education law, healthcare law, and other relevant areas
• Provide written advice and recommendations, typically by e-mail or through formal memoranda and presentations
• Advise the Board of Visitors on policy-setting, governance, and compliance matters
• Represent the University in defending and resolving complaints filed in state or federal court or before regulatory bodies
• Recommend and negotiate settlement of disputes in accordance with OAG procedures
• Review and revise drafts of institutional policies and contracts prior to execution, as requested by clients
• Advise institutional leadership on personnel matters, including faculty appointments, employment disputes, and labor relations
• Provide training and advice on legal compliance matters such as FOIA, COIA, FERPA, HIPAA, GDCDPA, the Public Records Act, Title IX, ADA, Title VI, procurement processes, research regulations, and other laws applicable to public universities and academic medical centers
• Advise institutional decision-makers tasked with conducting student disciplinary processes and faculty grievance matters
• Advise campus safety personnel, including university police and threat assessment teams, on policy development, statistical reporting, and incident response
• Review and comment on draft regulations and advise on compliance with the Administrative Process Act
• Advise on real estate transactions and review and approve as to form deeds and related documents
• Coordinate with the Office of the Attorney General on matters requiring additional resources or specialized expertise
• Recommend use of outside counsel as appropriate and administer contracts in accordance with OAG procedures
• Participate in OAG bill review process as assigned
• Contribute to OAG opinions process as assigned
• Share expertise with attorneys in the Education Section and throughout the OAG as requested
• Manage office operations and budget
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Extensive knowledge of the law related to public institutions of higher education, including complex research universities and academic medical centers, developed through academic training, seminars, and substantial legal experience in the specialty area
• Knowledge of fundamental subjects in law including employment law, healthcare law, public procurement and contracting, FOIA, FERPA, HIPAA, Title IX, Title VI, constitutional rights, intellectual property, research compliance, data management, and real estate
• Knowledge of the preparation of briefs and presentation of arguments for cases before state and federal agencies and courts
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills with experience supervising legal teams
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse audiences including boards, senior executives, faculty, and staff
• Ability to use judgment, tact and discretion in handling sensitive and complex matters
• Membership in the Virginia State Bar

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