General Counsel

Description

About Us
Since 1974, Life University has been a trailblazer in postsecondary education, seeking individuals eager to join our team dedicated to shaping the future of health and wellness education. Situated in Marietta, Georgia, our university’s campus provides a nurturing yet dynamic environment for academic and personal growth. We are a specialized institution focused on vitalistic education in the fields of healthcare, business administration, and the social sciences, providing a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees alongside our flagship Doctor of Chiropractic program. As we continue our mission to empower students and pioneer innovative approaches to vitalistic education, we actively seek a passionate professional to join us in our commitment to excellence. 

Serving Lasting Purpose
At Life University, our mission extends beyond education—we strive to embody a Lasting Purpose: To Give, To Do, To Love, To Serve—out of your own abundance. Life University’s guiding principle is to live an inner-directed life, recognizing that the willingness and desire to serve your community and your fellow human beings are just as important as academic pursuits. This philosophy drives our commitment to our students, staff, and the broader community, inspiring us to make meaningful contributions to the world through the transformative power of education and service. We believe that everyone has unique gifts, and as a member of the global community, it is our duty to share those gifts generously. 

Role Description:
The General Counsel will set the long-term strategic vision, priorities, and budget for the Legal team, ensure that the University and its employees comply with applicable laws and regulations, advise and liaise with the Board of Directors and executive team on strategic initiatives, and handle the most sensitive and important legal matters.

Responsibilities:
The General Council will provide legal counsel to the executive team and the Board of Directors, including drafting and revising corporate policies, bylaws, minutes, agendas, and resolutions. This role manages the department’s budget and oversees the organization’s intellectual property portfolios and litigation docket. The General Council will advise the HR team on federal, multi-state, and international employment law, and provide guidance to the University on real estate, facilities, environmental issues, and research, including clinical trials and sponsored research. The position will also offer legal support to management and staff on programmatic initiatives, coordinate with IT regarding data privacy, security programs, training, and compliance, and assist in developing compliance and training materials, guidance documents, and employee and contractor training. The General Council will also manage the organization’s insurance portfolios and establish and maintain relationships with outside counsel.

Qualifications

The General Council should possess a JD from an accredited law school and maintain Bar membership in good standing. The ideal candidate will have a deep knowledge of higher education law, including ADA, FERPA, Title IX, Title VII, OSHA, and accreditation standards. They will also have a strong foundation in contract law, employment law, and issues related to faculty governance, tenure, and academic policies. Expertise in university financing, business structures, and understanding the legal implications of university operations is essential. Additionally, familiarity with intellectual property, technology transfer, and commercialization of university research is important.

Experience with real estate transactions, property management, and university-related acquisitions or sales is required, along with a thorough understanding of research compliance, federal regulations, and ethical standards in university-sponsored research. The General Council will also need expertise in risk management, including assessing and mitigating legal and reputational risks to the institution. Knowledge of student affairs and legal compliance, including handling student conduct matters and ensuring compliance with student life policies, is crucial. Previous experience working within a university legal department or an in-house legal department in a public, not-for-profit or private organization is highly valued.

The General Council will advise senior leadership, including the board of trustees, on legal matters and ensure alignment of institutional policies with legal requirements and academic goals. The role requires navigating complex governance issues while balancing academic freedom with compliance. Strong communication skills are necessary to convey complex legal issues clearly to non-legal stakeholders. Collaboration with university leadership, faculty, staff, and external legal counsel will be essential to advancing the university’s mission while mitigating legal risks.
 

Equal Employment Opportunity
Life University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide consideration for employment to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.