University of Arizona
General Counsel (Chief Legal Officer)
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85718
1 month ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Position Highlights The General Counsel (GC) serves as the university’s senior legal advisor, responsible for providing strategic, ethical, and solution-oriented legal guidance to institutional leadership. Reporting to the President, the GC oversees the Office of General Counsel and is a key member of the senior leadership team, supporting the university’s mission and providing practical, thoughtful, and independent legal advice and counsel.
This individual will lead an excellent and cohesive team of over 10 attorneys and 6 experienced legal professionals and will serve as a critical liaison between internal stakeholders and external legal partners, including outside counsel. The GC will help navigate complex regulatory environments and offer timely and practical advice on issues impacting higher education and academic medical centers. This role is an excellent opportunity for a skilled attorney and seasoned administrator to contribute to the ongoing success of the state’s flagship university.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more.
Duties & Responsibilities
Serve as chief legal advisor to the President and senior leadership on a broad range of legal and policy matters
Lead and manage the Office of the General Counsel, fostering a high‑performing, service‑oriented culture
Provide expert legal counsel in higher education law, medical center and healthcare law, employment issues, student affairs, faculty governance, research compliance, intellectual property, Title IX, and civil rights laws, crisis response, risk management, contracts and procurement, real estate, and regulatory compliance
Secure and coordinate outside counsel on specialized legal matters as needed
Develop and oversee institutional policies and procedures on legal compliance and risk mitigation in partnership with internal stakeholders such as Human Resources and the University Athletics Office
Lead and coordinate the institution’s response to litigation or any potential legal challenges
Interpret legislation, regulations, and case law affecting public higher education and academic medicine
Support university leadership on matters of governance and legal compliance
Advise on internal investigations, audits, and disputes with legal exposure or reputational risk
Collaborate with senior leadership across the university community to align legal strategy with operational and academic goals, ensuring they operate within regulatory frameworks and providing counsel to leaders pursuing strategic initiatives
Collaborate with the Chief Government Relations Officer, Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships, and other team members on strategies for engaging local, state, and federal officials and agencies in support of the university’s mission and strategic imperatives
Serve as a visible, trusted advisor and represent the university in high‑level legal and regulatory fora
Leadership Competencies
Impeccable judgment, strategic thinking, and ability to manage risk in a complex, high‑stakes environment
Exemplary and effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and concisely
Inclusive leadership style that values collaboration, transparency, and staff development
Highest integrity and commitment to public service, equity, and institutional accountability
Highest level of discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive legal matters and information
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA‑accredited law school
Active member in good standing of a state bar, with eligibility for admission to practice law in Arizona within one year of hire
At least 15 years of progressively responsible legal experience, with significant leadership experience in a complex organization
At least 8 years of demonstrated expertise in areas of law relevant to public higher education, academic healthcare, and/or research institutions
Preferred Qualifications
Senior legal leadership experience at a large public university, academic medical center, or similarly complex public sector institution
Prior experience managing and mentoring legal professionals
Familiarity with the governance, compliance, and regulatory environment of public higher education systems
Strong understanding of the intersection of legal guidance and institutional mission, particularly in public service and access‑driven settings
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance plans
Life insurance and disability programs
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for employee and qualified family members
Retirement plans
Access to UA recreation and cultural activities
Contact Information for Candidates: Francisco Garcia | franciscogarcia@arizona.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Highlights The General Counsel (GC) serves as the university’s senior legal advisor, responsible for providing strategic, ethical, and solution-oriented legal guidance to institutional leadership. Reporting to the President, the GC oversees the Office of General Counsel and is a key member of the senior leadership team, supporting the university’s mission and providing practical, thoughtful, and independent legal advice and counsel.
This individual will lead an excellent and cohesive team of over 10 attorneys and 6 experienced legal professionals and will serve as a critical liaison between internal stakeholders and external legal partners, including outside counsel. The GC will help navigate complex regulatory environments and offer timely and practical advice on issues impacting higher education and academic medical centers. This role is an excellent opportunity for a skilled attorney and seasoned administrator to contribute to the ongoing success of the state’s flagship university.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more.
Duties & Responsibilities
Serve as chief legal advisor to the President and senior leadership on a broad range of legal and policy matters
Lead and manage the Office of the General Counsel, fostering a high‑performing, service‑oriented culture
Provide expert legal counsel in higher education law, medical center and healthcare law, employment issues, student affairs, faculty governance, research compliance, intellectual property, Title IX, and civil rights laws, crisis response, risk management, contracts and procurement, real estate, and regulatory compliance
Secure and coordinate outside counsel on specialized legal matters as needed
Develop and oversee institutional policies and procedures on legal compliance and risk mitigation in partnership with internal stakeholders such as Human Resources and the University Athletics Office
Lead and coordinate the institution’s response to litigation or any potential legal challenges
Interpret legislation, regulations, and case law affecting public higher education and academic medicine
Support university leadership on matters of governance and legal compliance
Advise on internal investigations, audits, and disputes with legal exposure or reputational risk
Collaborate with senior leadership across the university community to align legal strategy with operational and academic goals, ensuring they operate within regulatory frameworks and providing counsel to leaders pursuing strategic initiatives
Collaborate with the Chief Government Relations Officer, Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships, and other team members on strategies for engaging local, state, and federal officials and agencies in support of the university’s mission and strategic imperatives
Serve as a visible, trusted advisor and represent the university in high‑level legal and regulatory fora
Leadership Competencies
Impeccable judgment, strategic thinking, and ability to manage risk in a complex, high‑stakes environment
Exemplary and effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and concisely
Inclusive leadership style that values collaboration, transparency, and staff development
Highest integrity and commitment to public service, equity, and institutional accountability
Highest level of discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive legal matters and information
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA‑accredited law school
Active member in good standing of a state bar, with eligibility for admission to practice law in Arizona within one year of hire
At least 15 years of progressively responsible legal experience, with significant leadership experience in a complex organization
At least 8 years of demonstrated expertise in areas of law relevant to public higher education, academic healthcare, and/or research institutions
Preferred Qualifications
Senior legal leadership experience at a large public university, academic medical center, or similarly complex public sector institution
Prior experience managing and mentoring legal professionals
Familiarity with the governance, compliance, and regulatory environment of public higher education systems
Strong understanding of the intersection of legal guidance and institutional mission, particularly in public service and access‑driven settings
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance plans
Life insurance and disability programs
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for employee and qualified family members
Retirement plans
Access to UA recreation and cultural activities
Contact Information for Candidates: Francisco Garcia | franciscogarcia@arizona.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr