Vice President for Legal Affairs & General Counsel
University of La Verne See More Job Openings by This Employer
Job Description
Job Description Summary
As the University’s chief legal officer and a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President for Legal Affairs & General Counsel will shape and safeguard La Verne’s mission-driven culture by: Delivering proactive, strategic counsel on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters. Partnering with internal clients—President, Board of Trustees, Provost and other members of senior leadership, Deans, HR, Student Affairs, Title IX, Finance, Facilities, Research—to anticipate and manage legal risk. Leading the Office of General Counsel (including a paralegal) and, when needed, coordinate cost-effective litigation defense with outside counsel. Championing a culture of preventive law: designing training, policy frameworks, and compliance programs that reduce disputes and reinforce ethical decision-making.
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school Membership in good standing in the State Bar of California Minimum 8 years of practice in California, including work in state and federal employment law, civil rights, administrative hearings, education lawn, and higher education Proven experience in higher-education legal affairs or similarly complex organizations. Ability to develop and implement effective strategies for handling complex University legal issues. Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, policy drafting, and compliance training. Excellent oral advocacy, negotiation, and written-communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound ethical judgment, and build consensus across diverse constituencies. Deep knowledge of higher-education law and best practices in academic and corporate governance. Skilled in translating complex legal issues into practical guidance. Proven project-management capabilities and attention to detail. High emotional intelligence, political savvy, and interpersonal dexterity. Track record of developing and delivering engaging legal-risk trainings. Commitment to inclusive excellence, community engagement, and ethical leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
8–10 years of progressively responsible legal experience, including in-house counsel or General Counsel roles at a private or public university. Litigation experience in employment, student conduct, Title IX, ADA , or civil rights matters. Familiarity with gifts/development law, immigration issues, tax/payroll, and environmental/regulatory compliance. Experience in contract review, development, and negotiations Experience advising governing boards and senior executives, leading preventive law programs, and delivering engaging risk-management trainings. Experience supporting or advising on collective bargaining and labor relations.
As the University’s chief legal officer and a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President for Legal Affairs & General Counsel will shape and safeguard La Verne’s mission-driven culture by: Delivering proactive, strategic counsel on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters. Partnering with internal clients—President, Board of Trustees, Provost and other members of senior leadership, Deans, HR, Student Affairs, Title IX, Finance, Facilities, Research—to anticipate and manage legal risk. Leading the Office of General Counsel (including a paralegal) and, when needed, coordinate cost-effective litigation defense with outside counsel. Championing a culture of preventive law: designing training, policy frameworks, and compliance programs that reduce disputes and reinforce ethical decision-making.
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school Membership in good standing in the State Bar of California Minimum 8 years of practice in California, including work in state and federal employment law, civil rights, administrative hearings, education lawn, and higher education Proven experience in higher-education legal affairs or similarly complex organizations. Ability to develop and implement effective strategies for handling complex University legal issues. Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, policy drafting, and compliance training. Excellent oral advocacy, negotiation, and written-communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound ethical judgment, and build consensus across diverse constituencies. Deep knowledge of higher-education law and best practices in academic and corporate governance. Skilled in translating complex legal issues into practical guidance. Proven project-management capabilities and attention to detail. High emotional intelligence, political savvy, and interpersonal dexterity. Track record of developing and delivering engaging legal-risk trainings. Commitment to inclusive excellence, community engagement, and ethical leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
8–10 years of progressively responsible legal experience, including in-house counsel or General Counsel roles at a private or public university. Litigation experience in employment, student conduct, Title IX, ADA , or civil rights matters. Familiarity with gifts/development law, immigration issues, tax/payroll, and environmental/regulatory compliance. Experience in contract review, development, and negotiations Experience advising governing boards and senior executives, leading preventive law programs, and delivering engaging risk-management trainings. Experience supporting or advising on collective bargaining and labor relations.
