General Counsel

General Counsel

The University of South Alabama (USA) invites applications and nominations for the position of General Counsel.

University and Region

The University of South Alabama (www.southalabama.edu) is a public institution and is classified as a doctoral university: high research activity.  The University is a major center of high-quality undergraduate, graduate, medical and professional education located on the upper Gulf Coast, enrolling approximately 15,000 students.  USA recently embarked on an ambitious strategic plan to focus on five institutional priorities: student success and access, enhancement of research and graduate education, global engagement, excellence in health care, and university-community and engagement.  The University of South Alabama offers more than 40 graduate and professional degree programs, including 13 doctoral programs, across ten colleges and schools.

USA Health helps people lead longer, better lives through its excellence in education, research, and medical care. With more than 3,600 employees, the USA Health network includes USA Medical Center, USA Children's & Women's Hospital, USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, USA Physicians Group, and the USA College of Medicine. Each year, our team of 180 physicians, 240 residents and fellows, 70 advanced practice providers, and 800 nurses handles some 185,000 clinic visits and 350,000 outpatient procedures. USA Health delivers 2,800 babies a year, more than any other regional hospital, and treats patients through some 60,000 emergency room visits annually.

The University is located in Mobile, Alabama (www.mobile.org), recognized as a vibrant business, cultural, and recreational hub, located on Mobile Bay and conveniently positioned between the Florida Panhandle and New Orleans.  Mobile is experiencing an economic surge across industry sectors, including aerospace, shipping and maritime interests, and healthcare. The University of South Alabama plays a critical role in this ongoing regional economic growth.

Role and Responsibilities

Reporting to the University President, the General Counsel is a part of the President’s Council (administrative team) and oversees a legal team in the management of numerous and varied legal matters to provide timely and effective advice and counsel to the University of South Alabama’s Board of Trustees, President, administrators and departments, including USA Health, and University affiliates.   Advises on business transactions, personnel (including faculty) matters, contracts, and real estate transactions; interprets local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to state bid law, state public records and open meeting laws, as they apply to the University in general, and USA Health, including its hospitals, faculty practice plan, clinics, and University Authority.  Develops legal strategies and arguments, conducts research and interviews, and handles other details in preparation for litigation.  Prepares and files pleadings and other necessary legal documents with federal and state courts and administrative bodies as appropriate.  Represents the University and USA Health in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies, as well as in negotiations, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution processes, including but not limited to those involving the Equal Opportunity Commission and the Office of Civil Rights.  Prepares or assists in preparation of tutorials, presentations, and workshops on various areas of the law as applied to public colleges and universities and academic medical centers.  Maintains regular and prompt attendance with the ability to work hours as required, including emergency availability at all times, as well as to travel locally and overnight.   Supervises attorneys and support staff.  Related duties as required.

Qualifications

  • Completion of a law degree from an ABA accredited school of law;
  • Five years of recent and relevant higher education legal experience ​as a licensed attorney;
  • Experience with academic medical centers preferred;
  • License in good standing with the Alabama State Bar to practice as an attorney-at-law in the state of Alabama, and eligible for admission to the federal courts in Alabama;
  • Superior management and leadership skills demonstrating the ability to adapt and continuously improve the effectiveness of university legal services;
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills necessary to effectively represent the university, President, and Board of Trustees in all legal matters;
  • Proven track record in navigating a complex regulatory environment including a broad spectrum of statutes, regulations, and legal procedures relevant to university operations;
  • Commitment to the highest standards of quality, integrity, ethics, fairness, and public responsibility.

Application Procedure

The Search Committee invites nominations, applications (a letter of interest, resume/CV, and the names and contact information of five or more references) or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University of South Alabama.  Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted to the search firm prior by October 20, 2019.  For additional information, please contact:

Porsha L. Williams, Vice President
Rich McNeal, Associate
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2900
Atlanta, GA 30328
Phone: 770-804-1996 x109 or x112
pwilliams@parkersearch.com | rmcneal@parkersearch.com

The University of South Alabama is an EO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression), religion, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.