General Counsel - Office of General Counsel

TITLE

General Counsel

JOB SUMMARY 

The General Counsel is administratively responsible for all legal matters affecting the Texas Woman's University System and provides legal counsel to the Chancellor and President, Cabinet Members, and the Board of Regents.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:  Chancellor and President

Supervises: Assistant General Counsel, and Legal Operations Business Specialist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - May include, but not limited to the following:

1. Administer and supervise all legal matters affecting the Texas Woman’s University System.
2. Provide counsel and opinions for Board of Regents, and Chancellor and President.
3. Coordinate all TWU System litigation with the Office of the Attorney General.
4. Make periodic reports to the Chancellor and Board of Regents on outstanding litigation matters.
5. Provide strategic and tactical guidance and direction in all aspects of the management of the Office of General Counsel, including personnel, budgets, etc.
6. Establish general guidelines for legal services. Coordinate legal interpretations and opinions as to policies, procedures, rules and regulations affecting operating procedures, personnel and students. Maintain current knowledge of national, state, and local developments affecting the Office of General Counsel and the TWU System.
7. Provide assistance to the Chancellor, as requested.
8. Advises administrators on legal matters including legal documents, transactions, and contractual obligations.
9. Advises university personnel on all matters related to intellectual property.
10. In accordance with state rules and university policies, handles negotiations and problems associated with contracts and agreements.
11. Supports academic agreements, contract, and document review and drafting.
12. Handles real estate, sales, purchases, and easements including oil and gas leases and contracts.
13. Monitors and handles affiliation agreements and contracts for grants and sponsored programs.
14. Handles mediations and other dispute resolution matters.
15. Oversees the Office of General Counsel.
16. Provides counsel and advice on employment and civil rights complaints, tort/personal injury matters, student conduct, grievances, policies and procedures, and claims.
17. Reviews and recommends changes to TWU policies and procedures by interpreting state and federal regulations.
18. Issues and provides written legal opinions including documentation and research of legal opinions.
19. Provides legislative review, analysis, and research as requested.
20. Authorizes, supervises, and monitors the work of outside legal counsel.
21. Works with Public Information Act Coordinator.
22. Serves as the University Ethics Officer.
23. Serves as designated Open Records Officer for the University.
24. Monitors and measures the effectiveness of the efforts in records retention, disclosure of public information for regulations and policies to include FERPA, Clery Act, Title VII, Title IX, and ADAAA, and HIPAA.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs other duties as requested.

EDUCATION 

J.D. or L.L.B. degree and Licensed Attorney in good standing with the Texas Bar Association.

EXPERIENCE

Ten years of extensive and progressively responsible legal experience. Experience in dealing with legal matters in an academic setting required. Must be familiar with Texas Higher Education Codes and Texas laws. Demonstrates knowledge of federal and state Equal Opportunity, Title IX, ADA, and other nondiscrimination and educational opportunity laws, rules, and regulations. Experience with writing policies and procedures. Experience delivering training on various regulatory or legal issues.

REQUIREMENT

Regular and reliable attendance at the University during regular scheduled days and work hours is an essential function of this position.  

All employees share the responsibility of maintaining information security and privacy requirements within the university by adhering to Federal and State regulations, and TWU Policies & Procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - The following are essential:

1. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion and neutrality.
2. Ability to perform analytic thinking and attention to detail to detect patterns in data and derive improvement measures.
3. Ability to negotiate and resolve highly sensitive, complex, and/or unprecedented problems.
4. Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate a complex operation, using human resources, time,