Institute Counsel, Virginia Military Institute

This position serves as agency counsel for Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Serving as agency counsel requires advising decision-makers throughout the organization on the legal risks and obligations associated with their duties as employees or board members. Institute Counsel may also represent VMI in state or federal court, before regulatory bodies and to third parties in pre-litigation and transactional matters. Additionally, this individual will provide other legal services to the Commonwealth as directed the Office of the Attorney General.

Work Tasks and Duties:

• Identify legal limitations on policy decisions or operational actions proposed by VMI.
• Establish relationships with Institute employees, faculty and leadership to foster well-informed decision- making
• Counsel agency leadership on legal risks associated with the operation of institutional programs
• Conduct research to provide cogent legal analysis and stay abreast of developments in the law
• Provide written advice and recommendations, typically by e-mail or through informal memoranda
• Advise governing board on policy-setting and compliance matters
• Represent the Institute in defending and resolving complaints filed in state or federal court or before regulatory bodies
• Recommend and negotiate settlement of disputes in accordance with OAG procedures
• Review and revise drafts of institutional policies and contracts prior to execution, as requested by client
• Advise institutional leadership on personnel matters
• Provide training and advice on legal compliance matters such as FOIA, COIA, FERPA, GDCDPA, the Public Records Act, Title IX, ADA, procurement processes and other laws applicable to state educational entities
• Advise institutional decision-makers tasked with conducting student disciplinary processes
• Advise campus safety personnel, including campus police and institution's threat assessment team, on policy development, statistical reporting and incident response
• Review and comment on draft regulations and advise on compliance with the Administrative Process Act
• Advise on real estate transactions and review and approve as to form deeds and related documents
• Recommend use of outside counsel as appropriate and administer contracts in accordance with OAG procedures
• Participate in OAG bill review process as assigned
• Contribute to OAG opinions process as assigned
• Share expertise with attorneys in the Education Section and throughout the OAG as requested
• Supervise and mentor attorneys and support staff as assigned
• Manage office budget if applicable

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of the law related to public institutions of higher education/Virginia state agencies/state educational agencies/public museums developed through academic training, seminars, and legal experience in the specialty area
• Knowledge of fundamental subjects in law including employment law, public procurement and contracting, FOIA, FERPA, Title IX, constitutional rights, intellectual property, data management, and real estate
• Knowledge of legal research procedures
• Knowledge of the preparation of briefs and presentation of arguments for cases before state and federal agencies and courts
• Knowledge of the practices and procedures of the Office of the Attorney General
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to use judgment, tact and discretion
• Ability to quickly assimilate oral and written data, to analyze facts, and draw logical conclusions
• Ability to express legal interpretations or conclusions of law clearly and logically in oral and written form
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence related to the work
• Ability to organize work, establish priorities, and maintain good interpersonal relations and communications with other attorneys and support staff as well as effective working relationships with government officials, vendors and the general public
• Ability to coordinate and function as a lead attorney or counsel
• Ability to spot potential barriers and identify resolutions to legal concerns
• Ability to identify and analyze issues and problems in management and human relations and to recommend and implement solutions
• Skills of persuasion, consensus building and conflict resolution
• Computer literacy
• Membership in the Virginia State Bar

Special Instructions

Kindly utilize the Virginia Jobs website (https://www.jobs.virginia.gov) to submit your application. Applications sent to the Recruitment email address will not be reviewed for the hiring process. We do not entertain phone calls or emails inquiring about application status; instead, please login to the PageUp/RMS system for updates on your application's status.

Please use the below link to apply:

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Contact Information

Name: OAG Recruitment

Phone: 804-786-2071

Email: [email protected]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

Contact:
Human Resources
[email protected]
540-464-7322