General Counsel

Position Title:

General Counsel

Job Description:

HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Job Descriptions

JOB TITLE: General Counsel

REPORTS TO: Vice President of Human Resources

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

EXEMPT: Yes

VICE PRESIDENT: NA

 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE FUNCTION

All Hinds Community College employees must commit to the Caring Campus approach to student engagement and daily apply these general behavioral objectives: listen to student questions and concerns with a positive attitude and make meaningful connections with students.

  

Hinds Community College seeks an experienced and dedicated General Counsel to provide legal advice, guidance, and representation to the college in various legal matters. The General Counsel will serve as the principal legal advisor to the college administration and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations while promoting the college’s mission and objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work collaboratively and provide sound legal advice in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of education law, employment law, administrative law, federal compliance regulations (Title IX, FERPA, etc.), and general litigation practices.
• Proven experience in handling litigation, dispute resolution, and managing outside counsel.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong ability to interpret complex legal documents and communicate implications clearly to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating contracts, policies, and legal documents.
• Familiarity with risk management strategies and compliance frameworks relevant to higher education institutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse departments and build effective working relationships.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in legal research and familiar with legal databases and software.
• Previous experience developing and delivering training programs on legal issues and compliance matters.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and ability to provide strategic legal advice to enhance institutional goals.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity.
• Membership in relevant professional associations (e.g., National Association of College and University Attorneys) is a plus.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Mississippi State Bar.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in higher education or public sector environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Legal Advisory:
  • Provide legal counsel to the college’s administration, faculty, and staff on a wide range of legal issues, including but not limited to employment law, student affairs, contracts, and governance.
  • Assist in the development of policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and effective risk management.
• Contract Management:
  • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements on behalf of the college.
  • Ensure that all contracts are in compliance with legal requirements and college policies.
• Litigation Management:
  • Manage and coordinate outside legal counsel in litigation and other legal proceedings.
  • Represent the college in administrative hearings, mediations, and other legal disputes.
• Compliance and Risk Management:
  • Monitor and advise on compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting the college.
  • Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Training and Education:
  • Provide training and resources to college staff on legal issues and best practices in compliance and risk management.
  • Facilitate workshops and seminars on pertinent legal topics.
• Policy Development:
  • Assist in the drafting and implementation of college policies and procedures.
  • Review and