General Counsel

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1924, California Western School of Law (CWSL) is San Diego’s oldest law school. Our mission is to train ethical, competent, and practice-ready lawyers, representative of our diverse society, who can use the law effectively and creatively. We are proud to have one of the most diverse student bodies in the country. 

Through our clinical programs, CWSL extends essential legal services to our local communities while providing students effective on-the-ground training. Our nationally recognized programs include the Innocence and Justice Clinic, which works to free wrongly incarcerated individuals and litigates criminal justice system reform; New Media Rights, which counsels internet entrepreneurs and lobbies for changes in technology law; and our Community Law Project, which reached its twentieth anniversary this year, and provides pro bono services to undeserved communities in a wealth of practice areas, including criminal law, family law, housing law, and personal injury. Finally, we are the home of a highly decorated Competitive Advocacy Program, whose students routinely compete in regional and national moot court competitions.

For more information, please visit: CWSL.edu  

THE POSITION

California Western School of Law is seeking an experienced General Counsel to serve as the institution’s chief legal advisor. Reporting to the Dean and President and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the General Counsel oversees all legal, compliance, and risk management matters. The General Counsel plays a critical role in supporting the school’s mission, safeguarding its legal and regulatory interests, and ensuring institutional integrity in an evolving higher education landscape. Among other responsibilities, the General Counsel will:

• Advise and counsel to the Dean and President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and governance matters.
• Oversee all institutional legal affairs, including contract review, compliance, litigation management, internal investigations, and policy development.
• Ensure the law school’s compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to Title IX, FERPA, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, and HEOA.
• Track all relevant accreditor requirements and provide advice on issues relating ot accreditation.
• Manage risk across the institution by developing and implementing proactive legal strategies and overseeing training and education.
• Represent the institution in legal and administrative proceedings as needed.
• Liaise with local and state government agencies on matters of relevance to the institution, including licensure and public safety.

California Western School of Law has established an annual salary range of $205,000.00 - $215,000.00, subject to experience, educational background, and skills relevant to the role.  Please read the included prospectus for more information regarding the opportunity and application requirements.  

APPLICATION

Candidates must apply for the opportunity via The CWSL Career Website. Please refer to the included prospectus for application requirements.

Applications must also include a current resume and cover letter. 

Nominations and inquiries are invited. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Dale Matsuda at dmatsuda@cwsl.edu.