Position Summary

Reporting to the President, the General Counsel is responsible for the management and oversight of legal matters that affect the College and its operations. The position deals with complex, challenging, and ever-changing legal issues that have a material and substantial impact on the ability of the College to operate and achieve its mission. Primary focus areas include, but are not limited to: personnel issues; student issues; human resources issues; real estate; contract development and review; educational program articulation and clinical affiliation agreements; business and educational institution relationships; use of college facilities; strategic communications and public relations issues; diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; accommodations and accessibility; intellectual property; data security and identity theft prevention; policy drafting and review; governance, Open Meetings Act, and Maryland Public Information Act compliance. A successful General Counsel will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop and review college policies, ensuring they reflect legal requirements and align with the institution’s values. The incumbent will be a highly competent attorney and strategist who is innovative, collaborative, and decisive, yet flexible and committed to and supportive of the College’s diverse population.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Representation & Risk Management
• Oversees outside counsel in litigation to ensure proper representation of the College; reviews litigation-related documents such as complaints, motions, discovery, and appeals.
• Partners with Risk Management on insurance and indemnification issues related to pre-litigation and litigation matters.
• Identifies potential legal risks and develops strategies to mitigate them.
• Conducts legal reviews of responses to internal and external complaints.
Legal Advice, Compliance & Support
• Provides legal advice on employment matters, torts, contracts, commercial transactions, and student and faculty affairs.
• Offers legal support and strategic counsel to College administrators, participating early in decision-making processes to improve the quality of decisions and mitigate legal risk.
• Collaborates closely with the Chief Compliance and Fair Practices Officer and the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.
• Monitors federal and state legislation, advising on compliance-related changes as needed.
• Collaborates with legal counsel for the College Foundation and provides support where appropriate.

Policy & Document Review
• Reviews and presents proposed actions to the President and Vice Presidents concerning College policies, procedures, manuals, handbooks, reports, contracts, personnel actions, and other legally significant matters.
• Reviews materials from College departments for legal sufficiency and compliance.
• Prepares legal documents such as agreements, legal opinions, memoranda, and responses to demands or charges.

Reporting & Administration
• Prepares and submits monthly legal reports to the President, and when directed, to the Board of Trustees.
• Manages the Office of General Counsel’s budget and approves all expenditures.

Supervision & Team Oversight
• Supervises the Part-time Associate General Counsel, providing oversight on work products, conducting performance reviews, and supporting professional development.
• Provides direction and feedback to a shared administrative assistant.

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate is required.

Licensed to practice law in Maryland

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience in civil or government practice, including at least 3 years representing or working with institutions of higher education.

Experience in employment discrimination, breach of contract, and tort matters required.

In good standing with the Maryland Bar.

Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to anticipate issues and concerns whenever possible.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including skills in consulting, mediation, negotiation, and advocacy, which accommodate conflicting interests and viewpoints of individuals and groups.

Demonstrated work as a key strategist who is innovative and collaborative.

Ability to act as a champion for the College’s values, fostering a legal framework that reflects and reinforces our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ability to represent the College in administrative proceedings.

Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions; analyze and interpret issues; and prepare legal opinions.

Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.

Ability to work independently, exercise initiative, and function effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple and changing priorities and objectives.

Ability to successfully work both independently and collaboratively with diverse populations and members of the various College constituencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ten or more years of increasing legal experience in civil, governmental, or higher education practice.

Ability to remain calm, rational, and focused in handling daily issues as well as in crisis situations.

Demonstrated emotional intelligence.

Experience in employment and labor law.

Three years of experience in a managerial and supervisory capacity.


Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) is committed to enriching the educational experience it offers through the diversity of its faculty, administrators, and staff members. The college seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to the college's excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, embrace concepts of equity and inclusiveness, and support the equal rights of all people by advancing the understanding and appreciation of differences including age, race, gender, ability, religious convictions, socio-economic status, ethnic heritage, or sexual orientation.

While we appreciate your interest in employment with Anne Arundel Community College, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for any position.

Pay dates occur on the 7th and 22nd of each month. If those dates fall on a weekend, the pay date occurs on the Friday prior to the 7th and 22nd. As an employee of the college, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.

In the best interest of the College, only individuals who are residents of Maryland or one of the following states will be eligible for employment at the college: Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia or the District of Columbia. The college will annually review this restriction and, if appropriate, expand the list of states of employment eligibility