University General Counsel

Overview

Utah State University seeks a University General Counsel to oversee the university’s legal affairs and provide strategic legal counsel to the Board of Trustees, President, and senior leaders.

 

The General Counsel oversees all legal affairs of the University and ensures institutional compliance with federal and state law, Utah System of Higher Education policies, and University regulations. This role provides legal guidance on matters including governance, employment, student affairs, contracts, civil rights, regulatory compliance, public records, and institutional risk management.

 

The General Counsel leads the Office of Legal Affairs, manages the coordination of legal services for the University, works with the Utah Attorney General’s Office on litigation and formal legal matters, and represents the University in interactions with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and external partners. The position plays a central role in helping the institution navigate complex legal and policy matters while advancing the mission of Utah State University as a public land grant research institution.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel to the Board of Trustees, President, and senior leadership on governance, regulatory compliance, institutional policy, and legal risk.
• Oversee and coordinate the University’s legal affairs ensuring consistent interpretation and application of laws, regulations, and policies affecting the University.
• Lead and manage the Office of Legal Counsel, including assigning workload, establishing priorities, and ensuring effective legal support for university divisions and units.
• Provide legal review and guidance on significant University contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding.
• Provide legal guidance on employment, student affairs, civil rights compliance, public records, and other institutional matters.
• Advise University leadership on compliance with applicable federal and state law and Utah System of Higher Education policies governing public institutions of higher education.
• Coordinate with the Utah Attorney General’s Office and university leadership on legal matters related to disputes, claims, investigations, and litigation involving the University.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel and oversee the engagement of external legal services when appropriate.
• Serve as a liaison with the Utah System of Higher Education, government agencies, and legal counsel at peer institutions.
• Support the Board of Trustees on governance and compliance matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Eleven years of progressively responsible legal and leadership experience, including experience advising complex organizations, public institutions, or higher education entities as a leader of people and a manager of complex legal operations.
• Membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar, or the ability to obtain admission within six months of hire.
• Demonstrated experience providing legal counsel on governance, regulatory compliance, employment law, contracts, and institutional policy.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and provide clear, practical legal advice to executive leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience serving as General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or Associate General Counsel in a higher education institution.
• Familiarity with legal issues affecting public universities, including academic affairs, student affairs, civil rights compliance, and public records.
• Experience advising governing boards and senior executive leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead legal teams and manage legal operations.
• Experience managing outside counsel and complex legal matters.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate complex legal issues to diverse audiences.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and ethical judgment.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV” 

2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application 

3. Letters of Recommendation to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-5” 

 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Minimum $250,000; Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not