Associate General Counsel

About the University of Georgia

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.

About the College/Unit/Department

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.

Posting Details

• Posting Number: S15221P
• Working Title: Associate General Counsel
• Department: Legal Affairs Office
• College/Unit/Department Website: legal.uga.edu
• Posting Type: External
• Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP
• Employment Type: Employee
• Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
• Full/Part Time: Full Time
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Additional Schedule Information: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Advertised Salary: $125,000 - 145,000
• Posting Date: 06/01/2026
• Open until filled: Yes
• Closing Date: N/A
• Proposed Starting Date: 08/01/2026
• Special Instructions to Applicants: This position is open until filled with priority given to applications submitted by June 21, 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.
• Location of Vacancy: Athens Area
• EEO Policy Statement: 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).
• USG Core Values Statement: 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.

Position Information

• Classification Title: Staff Attorney II
• FLSA: Exempt
• FTE: 1.00
• Minimum Qualifications: JD, 2 years of related legal experience, and State Bar membership
• Preferred Qualifications: The successful applicant should have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, strong academic credentials, and be admitted or immediately eligible for admission to practice law in the State of Georgia. Applicants for this position should have a minimum of seven years of experience. Experience relevant to higher education law is also preferred. Applicants with less experience may apply for the open Assistant General Counsel position here: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/486067. Successful candidate should live or be willing to promptly relocate to the Athens area.
• Position Summary: 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 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. Associate General Counsel positions are intended for attorneys with 7+ years of relevant experience. Associate General Counsels are expected to work with a high level of independence, providing counsel to assigned units with limited oversight by the General Counsel. Associate General Counsels are also expected to represent the Office of Legal Affairs on committees, participate in meetings with top UGA and USG administrators, and coordinate with the Attorney General’s Office. Subject matter expertise and close working relationships with assigned units are required of Associate General Counsels, as well as sensitivity to emerging and complex issues.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Excellent oral and written communication skills, Plan and manage a variety of tasks, Work effectively with various constituents in a large public institution, Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and sound judgment

Duties/Responsibilities

• Advice and counseling to assigned units: 80%
• Other duties assigned by General Counsel: 20%

Contact Information

• Recruitment Contact: Lindsay Smith
  Email: lbow@uga.edu