General Counsel

Title: General Counsel

Department: Legal Counsel

Campus

Location:

Arnold/Main Campus

Salary Range: $183,438-$229,297

Work Mode: This position requires some regular in‑person presence on campus or at alternative locations, depending on business needs of the office.

Hours Per Week: 40

Position Type: Full‑Time Staff, Exempt

Reporting to the President, the General Counsel is responsible for the management and oversight of legal matters that affect the College and its operations. The position deals with complex, challenging, and ever‑changing legal issues that have a material and substantial impact on the ability of the College to operate and achieve its mission. Primary focus areas include, but are not limited to: personnel issues;

student issues; human resources issues; real estate; contract development and review; educational program articulation and clinical affiliation agreements; business and educational institution relationships; use of college facilities; strategic communications and public relations issues; diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; accommodations and accessibility; intellectual property; data security and identity theft prevention; policy drafting and review; governance, Open Meetings Act, and Maryland Public Information Act compliance.

A successful General Counsel will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop and review college policies, ensuring they reflect legal requirements and align with the institution’s values. The incumbent will be a highly competent attorney and strategist who is innovative, collaborative, and decisive, yet flexible and committed to and supportive of the College’s diverse population.

Legal Representation & Risk Management

• Oversees outside counsel in litigation to ensure proper representation of the College; reviews litigation‑related documents such as complaints, motions, discovery, and appeals.
• Partners with Risk Management on insurance and indemnification issues related to pre‑litigation and litigation matters.
• Identifies potential legal risks and develops strategies to mitigate them.
• Conducts legal reviews of responses to internal and external complaints.

Legal Advice, Compliance & Support

• Provides legal advice on employment matters, torts, contracts, commercial transactions, and student and faculty affairs.
• Offers legal support and strategic counsel to College administrators, participating early in decision‑making processes to improve the quality of decisions and mitigate legal risk.
• Collaborates closely with the Chief Compliance and Fair Practices Officer and the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.
• Monitors federal and state legislation, advising on compliance‑related changes as needed.
• Collaborates with legal counsel for the College Foundation and provides support where appropriate.

Policy & Document Review

• Reviews and presents proposed actions to the President and Vice Presidents concerning College policies, procedures, manuals, handbooks, reports, contracts, personnel actions, and other legally significant matters.
• Reviews materials from College departments for legal sufficiency and compliance.
• Prepares legal documents such as agreements, legal opinions, memoranda, and responses to demands or charges.

Reporting & Administration

• Prepares and submits monthly legal reports to the President, and when directed, to the Board of Trustees.
• Manages the Office of General Counsel’s budget and approves all expenditures.

Supervision & Team Oversight

• Supervises the Part‑time Associate General Counsel, providing oversight on work products, conducting performance reviews, and supporting professional development.
• Provides direction and feedback to a shared administrative assistant.

Other duties as assigned

• Juris Doctorate is required.
• Licensed to practice law in Maryland or will pass bar in Maryland within 6 months of hire.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience in civil or government practice, including at least 3 years representing or working with K‑12 or higher education.
• Experience in employment discrimination, breach of contract, and tort matters required.
• I…