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University of La Verne

Vice President for Legal Affairs & General Counsel

University of La Verne, La Verne

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Job Vacancy Announcement

Position Information

Functional Title

Vice President for Legal Affairs & General Counsel

Position Type

Administrative / Professional

Appointment Type

Regular

FTE %

100%

Work Schedule (if atypical)

University Overview

Embark on an exciting journey with the University of La Verne, where your career aspirations come to life in a vibrant and welcoming environment. Established in 1891, our diverse and inclusive community is more than just a university-it's a home for passionate individuals like you.

At the University of La Verne, we embody four core values that set us apart-Ethical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning, and Civic and Community Engagement. If you're fueled by these principles and are eager to make a meaningful impact, your journey begins here.

With a rich history spanning 132 years, the University of La Verne boasts a global Leo Family of 89,000+ accomplished alumni. As the #1 private university in California for social mobility according to U.S. News and World Report 2024, and recently recognized as the 33rd Best U.S. College by the Wall Street Journal 2024, we take pride in our commitment to excellence in education.

Join us in shaping the future, where your passion meets purpose. Come be part of something extraordinary and apply today!

Diversity Statement

The University supports a diverse and inclusive environment where students recognize and benefit from the life experiences and viewpoints of other students, faculty, and staff. Diversity is an active and intentional practice that supports difference and multiplicity to expand knowledge, educate capable citizens, develop the whole person, and serve our local and global communities. Promoting and sustaining diversity is a commitment to educational quality and the creation of positive, respectful learning communities.

Job Description Summary

As the University's chief legal officer and a member of the President's Cabinet, the Vice President for Legal Affairs & General Counsel will shape and safeguard La Verne's mission-driven culture by :

  • Delivering proactive, strategic counsel on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters.
  • Partnering with internal clients-President, Board of Trustees, Provost and other members of senior leadership, Deans, HR, Student Affairs, Title IX, Finance, Facilities, Research-to anticipate and manage legal risk.
  • Leading the Office of General Counsel (including a paralegal) and, when needed, coordinate cost-effective litigation defense with outside counsel.
  • Championing a culture of preventive law : designing training, policy frameworks, and compliance programs that reduce disputes and reinforce ethical decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school
  • Membership in good standing in the State Bar of California
  • Minimum 8 years of practice in California, including work in state and federal employment law, civil rights, administrative hearings, education lawn, and higher education
  • Proven experience in higher-education legal affairs or similarly complex organizations.
  • Ability to develop and implement effective strategies for handling complex University legal issues.
  • Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, policy drafting, and compliance training.
  • Excellent oral advocacy, negotiation, and written-communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound ethical judgment, and build consensus across diverse constituencies.
  • Deep knowledge of higher-education law and best practices in academic and corporate governance.
  • Skilled in translating complex legal issues into practical guidance.
  • Proven project-management capabilities and attention to detail.
  • High emotional intelligence, political savvy, and interpersonal dexterity.
  • Track record of developing and delivering engaging legal-risk trainings.
  • Commitment to inclusive excellence, community engagement, and ethical leadership.

    • Preferred Qualifications

  • 8-10 years of progressively responsible legal experience, including in-house counsel or General Counsel roles at a private or public university.
  • Litigation experience in employment, student conduct, Title IX, ADA, or civil rights matters.
  • Familiarity with gifts / development law, immigration issues, tax / payroll, and environmental / regulatory compliance.
  • Experience in contract review, development, and negotiations
  • Experience advising governing boards and senior executives, leading preventive law programs, and delivering engaging risk-management trainings.
  • Experience supporting or advising on collective bargaining and labor relations.

    • Benefits Summary

    Applicants, please note that actual compensation is determined by several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, certifications, relevant education or training, and specific work location, among others. The offered wage or salary is only one aspect of an employee's total compensation

    Benefits include a comprehensive health and wellness plan, tuition remission program for employee, spouse, and dependent children, a generous contribution to the University's 403B retirement plan, and a generous time off plan.

    Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.

    Location

    La Verne Main Campus

    Number of Vacancies

    Physical Demands Summary

    The physical demands include the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 20 pounds occasionally. Clear verbal and written communication is essential, as the position involves frequent interaction with colleagues, clients, or external partners.

    The noise level is generally low to moderate. The position may occasionally involve meeting deadlines or managing multiple priorities, which can require sustained focus and mental stamina.

    Do the essential functions of this job require lifting?

    If yes, list maximum weight and duration

    20Lbs

    Describe work environment

    This position is based in a standard office environment and primarily involves sedentary work. Employees are expected to spend extended periods of time working at a desk, using a computer, and engaging in routine office tasks such as emailing, attending m

    Duties

    Specific Duties

    Strategic Counsel & Governance

  • Advise President, Cabinet, and Board on major decisions (governance, finance, crisis response, public relations).
  • Prepare quarterly reports for Trustees on litigation, risk, and compliance.
  • Monitor California legislative and regulatory developments; recommend policy responses.
  • Provide preventive legal advice and guidance

    • Percentage Of Time

    Specific Duties

    Policy Development, Risk Management & Compliance

  • Draft, review, and update policies, handbooks, and governance documents (e.g., conduct code, Title IX, ADA, FERPA, faculty handbook).
  • Oversee enterprise risk assessments, compliance audits, and investigations.
  • Advise on breach response plans, vendor agreements, business and IT governance policies.
  • Coordinate with OIT on risk mitigation and incident response.
  • Design and deliver training on preventive law : non-discrimination, wage / hour, privacy, ethics

    • Percentage Of Time

    Specific Duties

    Contracts, Licensing & Intellectual Property

  • Negotiate and review contracts, MOUs, leases, construction, purchasing, and sponsored-program agreements.
  • Manage trademarks, copyrights, software licenses, technology transfer, and IP commercialization.
  • Advise on procurement law and real-estate transactions.
  • Environmental agreements and policies

    • Percentage Of Time

    Specific Duties

    Litigation & Outside Counsel Management

  • Oversee pre-litigation and claim mitigation
  • Oversee defense of claims (employment, civil rights, student / faculty disputes, ADA, Title IX) with insurers.
  • Select, supervise, and budget outside-counsel engagements.
  • Represent University in administrative and arbitration proceedings.

    • Percentage Of Time

    Specific Duties

    Employment Law & HR Partnership

  • Counsel on faculty / staff employment, organized employee relations, performance management, terminations, workplace investigations, ADA and workplace regulations and laws
  • Ensure compliance with California and federal statutes : FLSA, FEHA, Title VII, FMLA, Cal-OSHA.

    • Percentage Of Time

    Specific Duties

    Cross-Campus Collaboration & Communications

  • Serve as legal resource for Student Affairs, Athletics, IT, Facilities, Finance, and Sponsored Programs
  • Partner with Strategic Communications on public-facing legal messaging.
  • Build rapport with community stakeholders and regulators

    • Percentage Of Time

    Specific Duties

    Special Projects & Other Duties

  • Staff ad-hoc Presidential or Trustee committees.
  • Lead targeted initiatives as needed

    • Percentage Of Time

    Salary Range

    Minimum : 224,295.03

    Maximum : 290,000.00

    Posting Detail Information

    Posting Number

    2024-251100SA

    Special Instructions to Applicants

    The University of La Verne is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

    Open Date

    07 / 23 / 2025

    Close Date

    Open Until Filled

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