Assistant General Counsel for Labor and Employment

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

The Office of Legal Affairs is the University of Georgia's in-house legal counsel. Attorneys in the Office of Legal Affairs provide legal advice and counseling to the University through its administrators, faculty, and staff in the course of their duties on behalf of the University. The Office of Legal Affairs does not provide legal advice to administrators, faculty, staff, or students in their individual capacities.

In addition to providing legal counseling to the University, other areas of responsibility for the Office of Legal Affairs include policy interpretation and advice, administration of the University's grievance and dispute resolution procedures, contract review, and - in conjunction with the Attorney General - management of actual or threatened litigation in which the University is involved. The Office of Legal Affairs is also available to provide educational programs on legal issues applicable to units of the University.

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This position is open until filled with priority given to applications submitted by June 14, 2026. Please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and three references. The letter of interest should address applicant's interest in the position, qualifications, and relevant experience. Preferred starting date is August 1 with some flexibility.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

The successful applicant should have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, strong academic credentials, and be admitted or eligible within one year for admission to practice law in the State of Georgia.

Applicants for this position should have a minimum of two years of experience with a focus on employment law. Experience relevant to higher education law, including faculty affairs, compliance, and equal opportunity and federal anti-discrimination law is also preferred. Applicants with 7+ years of experience may apply for the open Associate General Counsel for Labor and Employment position here: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/483827.

Successful candidate should live or be willing to promptly relocate to the Athens area.

This position is a full-time attorney in the University of Georgia's Office of Legal Affairs, the University's in-house legal counsel. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, attorneys in the office provide legal advice and counseling to the University through its administrators, faculty, and staff in the course of their duties on behalf of the University. Each attorney in the office has direct responsibility for specific substantive areas and units. Areas of responsibility sometimes change to meet the needs of the unit and institution.

The Assistant General Counsel for Labor & Employment is focused on advising the University's Human Resources Division, Office of Faculty Affairs, and Equal Opportunity Office, and the laws and regulations relevant to these offices. These include federal and state labor and employment laws, anti-discrimination laws, and faculty disciplinary, tenure, and promotion policies.

The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advice and counsel to the University on a wide variety of legal issues, including policy interpretation, contract review, and - in conjunction with the Attorney General of the State of Georgia - management of actual or threatened litigation in which the University is involved.

Assistant General Counsel positions are intended for attorneys with 2+ years of relevant experience with developing expertise relevant to higher education law. Assistant General Counsels develop subject matter expertise and foster close working relationships with assigned units.

Sitting, standing, and walking up and down stairs

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

General legal advice and counseling to assigned units, including Human Resources, Faculty Affairs, and Equal Opportunity Office. This includes advising units on legal risks and mitigation strategies, relevant contract review, policy review and development, and training and education on relevant legal matters for assigned units.

Provide guidance and serve as subject matter expert for colleges and units in specialized areas, including employment law, faculty tenure, academic freedom, and compliance ( e.g., Title IX, Title VI, accessibility, Wage & Hour, FMLA).

Other duties assigned by General Counsel.