General Counsel
Spelman College Portal
On-site
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Position Summary
Spelman College, a renowned historically Black college and global leader in the education of women of African descent, is dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. The College cultivates the intellectual, creative, ethical, and leadership development of its students, empowering them—Through diverse learning modalities—Spelman empowers the whole person to engage the many cultures of the world and inspires a commitment to positive social change. Spelman College is seeking an experienced and dynamic General Counsel to serve as its chief legal officer. Reporting directly to the President, this strategic leader provides expert legal advice to the President, senior leadership, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders. The General Counsel plays a critical role in safeguarding the College’s legal interests, ensuring institutional compliance, and proactively managing legal risk across all areas of operation.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
In addition to providing counsel to the College on a wide variety of legal issues and overseeing utilization of outsourced legal services, other areas of responsibility include collaboration with other members of the leadership team in regard to: the formulation, interpretation and implementation of College policies: review of College contracts, agreements and other legal documents; and the management of actual or threatened litigation in which the College is involved. Legal Advisory Services: Provide strategic legal counsel and guidance to the President, Board of Trustees, senior administrators, and other campus officials on a wide range of legal matters affecting the institution. Manage and direct the work of in-house paralegal, outside counsel, and other legal resources to effectively and efficiently represent the College’s interests in legal matters. Advise on the legal aspects of a broad range of topics, including but not limited to: - Academic freedom, open expression, and related issues - Compliance with federal and state regulations (e.g. ADA , FERPA , Title IX, Title VII , OSHA , etc.) and accreditation standards - Contracts - Employment law - Faculty handbook, tenure and other academic concerns - Financing, including assessing and advising on current and future business structures and legal entities - Governance - Institutional policies - Intellectual property and technology transfer - Litigation - Name, image, and likeness rights in athletics, including compliance with applicable laws - Official College statements - Real estate transactions - Research compliance - Risk management, including legal and reputational risk - Student Affairs Legal Compliance and Risk Management: Monitor and assess legal and regulatory developments impacting higher education, and ensure the College’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards. Identify legal risks and vulnerabilities across the institution and develop strategies to mitigate potential liabilities and safeguard the College’s interests. Policy Development and Review: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop and implement policies and practices that promote ethical conduct, transparency, and institutional integrity. Participate in defining and developing institutional policies, procedures, and contracts to ensure legal compliance, clarity, and consistency with best practices and industry standards. Litigation Management and Dispute Resolution: Manage legal disputes, litigation, and regulatory proceedings involving the College, including coordination with external legal counsel, as needed. Represent the institution in negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and other dispute resolution processes to achieve favorable outcomes and minimize legal exposure. Interact with the Board of Trustees on College legal matters. Assess the merits of litigation threatened or brought against or on behalf of the College. Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer: Provide guidance on intellectual property matters, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and licensing agreements, to protect research and innovation assets. Facilitate technology transfer and commercialization activities in collaboration with academic researchers, industry partners, and legal experts.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to: sit, walk, talk, hear, walk, stand, use hands to handle and operate computer/office supplies or equipment, audio-visual equipment, and other technology related equipment. The employee frequently is required to: reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to: stoop, climb, and lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.
Required Qualifications
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in the relevant jurisdiction. A minimum of 10 years of legal practice, with extensive experience advising higher education clients and/or working in a higher education environment, is required. Deep knowledge of employment law, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, policies and best practices governing higher education. Proven ability to analyze complex legal matters and deliver practical, solutions-focused guidance. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with a track record of effective collaboration with senior leadership and diverse stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior work experience supporting governing boards is highly desirable.
Spelman College, a renowned historically Black college and global leader in the education of women of African descent, is dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. The College cultivates the intellectual, creative, ethical, and leadership development of its students, empowering them—Through diverse learning modalities—Spelman empowers the whole person to engage the many cultures of the world and inspires a commitment to positive social change. Spelman College is seeking an experienced and dynamic General Counsel to serve as its chief legal officer. Reporting directly to the President, this strategic leader provides expert legal advice to the President, senior leadership, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders. The General Counsel plays a critical role in safeguarding the College’s legal interests, ensuring institutional compliance, and proactively managing legal risk across all areas of operation.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
In addition to providing counsel to the College on a wide variety of legal issues and overseeing utilization of outsourced legal services, other areas of responsibility include collaboration with other members of the leadership team in regard to: the formulation, interpretation and implementation of College policies: review of College contracts, agreements and other legal documents; and the management of actual or threatened litigation in which the College is involved. Legal Advisory Services: Provide strategic legal counsel and guidance to the President, Board of Trustees, senior administrators, and other campus officials on a wide range of legal matters affecting the institution. Manage and direct the work of in-house paralegal, outside counsel, and other legal resources to effectively and efficiently represent the College’s interests in legal matters. Advise on the legal aspects of a broad range of topics, including but not limited to: - Academic freedom, open expression, and related issues - Compliance with federal and state regulations (e.g. ADA , FERPA , Title IX, Title VII , OSHA , etc.) and accreditation standards - Contracts - Employment law - Faculty handbook, tenure and other academic concerns - Financing, including assessing and advising on current and future business structures and legal entities - Governance - Institutional policies - Intellectual property and technology transfer - Litigation - Name, image, and likeness rights in athletics, including compliance with applicable laws - Official College statements - Real estate transactions - Research compliance - Risk management, including legal and reputational risk - Student Affairs Legal Compliance and Risk Management: Monitor and assess legal and regulatory developments impacting higher education, and ensure the College’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards. Identify legal risks and vulnerabilities across the institution and develop strategies to mitigate potential liabilities and safeguard the College’s interests. Policy Development and Review: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop and implement policies and practices that promote ethical conduct, transparency, and institutional integrity. Participate in defining and developing institutional policies, procedures, and contracts to ensure legal compliance, clarity, and consistency with best practices and industry standards. Litigation Management and Dispute Resolution: Manage legal disputes, litigation, and regulatory proceedings involving the College, including coordination with external legal counsel, as needed. Represent the institution in negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and other dispute resolution processes to achieve favorable outcomes and minimize legal exposure. Interact with the Board of Trustees on College legal matters. Assess the merits of litigation threatened or brought against or on behalf of the College. Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer: Provide guidance on intellectual property matters, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and licensing agreements, to protect research and innovation assets. Facilitate technology transfer and commercialization activities in collaboration with academic researchers, industry partners, and legal experts.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to: sit, walk, talk, hear, walk, stand, use hands to handle and operate computer/office supplies or equipment, audio-visual equipment, and other technology related equipment. The employee frequently is required to: reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to: stoop, climb, and lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.
Required Qualifications
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in the relevant jurisdiction. A minimum of 10 years of legal practice, with extensive experience advising higher education clients and/or working in a higher education environment, is required. Deep knowledge of employment law, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, policies and best practices governing higher education. Proven ability to analyze complex legal matters and deliver practical, solutions-focused guidance. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with a track record of effective collaboration with senior leadership and diverse stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior work experience supporting governing boards is highly desirable.