Skip to main content
Posted March 03, 2024

General Counsel

Sarah Lawrence College
Bronxville, NY Full Time
Reference: SarahLawrenceCollege2154

Position Information Job Title ...

Expand

Position Information

Job Title General Counsel
Job Description
Sarah Lawrence College is pleased to announce a search for the Colleges inaugural General Counsel. This position serves as a trusted advisor for the college community, providing guidance on faculty, staff, student and institutional matters that involve potential legal issues.

The General Counsel is responsible for overseeing the provision of a broad range of legal services at the College, including but not limited to Title IX and ADA-related issues; agreements for vendors and other third-party service providers; contract negotiation and management; employment related issues; licensing; municipal, state and federal compliance; and issues of student and employee confidentiality. The General Counsel is also responsible for managing relationships with external legal counsel as needed. The General Counsel works closely with Human Resources, the Provost, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion administrators, and may be called upon to consult on formal grievance, discrimination, and harassment cases.

The General Counsel also serves as Secretary of the College, supporting the relationship and business of the Board of Trustees, and as Special Assistant to the President on compliance, contractual and institutional issues. In the capacity of Secretary of the College, the General Counsel provides advice and resources to the Board on relevant issues of concern such as governance matters and changes to laws applicable to charitable organizations.
Essential Duties Summary
  • Educate the College community regarding legal, regulatory, contractual and employment issues.
  • Review, prepare and negotiate Sarah Lawrences contracts and other legal documents with individuals and businesses providing services to the College, reducing the likelihood of inappropriate, unnecessary or costly institutional liability.
  • Engage with the President, senior staff, faculty, administrative staff and Board of Trustees on legal, ethical and conflict of interest issues.
  • Provide general legal advice and manage outside counsel, if retained, within areas of Title IX and ADA, tenure, risk management, employment, contracts, governance, corporate transactions and intellectual property to include negotiation of settlements involving any legal issues or transactions.
  • Represent the college in trials or litigation proceedings as necessary. Hire and oversee additional external counsel as needed.
  • Coordinate and evaluate the performance of external counsel, review and approve legal strategies, briefs, settlements, invoices, payments, contracts, leases etc.
  • Stay current on new laws and regulations that may impact the College, and draft policies procedures, and recommend policy changes to assure compliance.
  • Where appropriate, participate in internal investigations and interviews relating to violations, employment issues and other allegations of wrongdoing on the part of faculty, staff and students.
  • Update the Audit Committee and the Board of Trustees regarding the status of lawsuits and other legal matters, ethics point cases, conflict of interest disclosures and Code of Ethics. Perform special assignments as requested.
  • Contribute to the overall success of the College by performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the President.
Required Qualifications
  • JD, admission to the New York State bar and at least ten years of related experience.
  • Ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal and external constituencies.
  • Impeccable judgment and exceptional integrity.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Knowledge of the range of applicable laws and regulations which impact on all facets of college policy and operations, and the ability to provide advice and counsel on a wide range of legal and policy issues.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret issues and to prepare legal opinions.
  • Knowledge of contract law and excellent negotiating skills.
  • Knowledge of legal documentation procedures and requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in higher education and/or charitable organizations is desirable.
  • Experience supporting and working with Boards, or the equivalent is a plus. Experience in understanding and working within shared governance environments.
Salary $150,000 - $200,000
Position Type Full Time
Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S00364P
Open Date
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants

This listing expired on Apr 02. Applications are no longer accepted.

Below are some other jobs we think you might be interested in.