University Counsel​/Chief Legal Officer, George Mason University

Title:

University Counsel/Chief Legal Officer, George Mason University State Role

Title:

Senior Assistant Attorney General Hiring Range:
Commensurate with Experience Pay Band: UG Agency:
Attorney General & Dept of Law

Location:

NORTHERN VIRGINIA Agency Website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Recruitment Type:
General Public - G Job Duties

Chief Objective:
This position serves as chief legal officer and agency counsel for George Mason University, Virginia’s largest and most diverse public research university with over 40,000 students across multiple campuses in Northern Virginia. The University Counsel serves as the University’s lead attorney and provides comprehensive legal services across all aspects of university operations, including the Antonin Scalia Law School. 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.

• Provide legal counsel and strategic advice to the Board of Visitors, President, Provost, Deans, and senior administrators across all university campuses and operations
• Lead and coordinate the Office of University Counsel, working with associate counsel and support staff to provide comprehensive legal services
• Advise on complex legal matters affecting university operations, including academic affairs, research, student matters, employment law, intellectual property, technology and cybersecurity law, real estate, finance, athletics, and regulatory compliance
• Provide specialized counsel related to the Antonin Scalia Law School, including law school accreditation, academic programs, and law school operations
• 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, research activities, and multi-campus operations
• Conduct research to provide cogent legal analysis and stay abreast of developments in higher education law, technology 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, GDCDPA, the Public Records Act, Title IX, Title VI, ADA, procurement processes, research regulations, and other laws applicable to public universities
• 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 across multiple campus locations
• 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…