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This role serves as Harper College's in-house attorney, providing expert legal guidance and risk management across all areas of institutional operations. Advises senior leadership, supports compliance with state and federal regulations, and manages a wide range of legal matters including employment, contracts, student affairs, policy development, and public records requests. The Legal Counsel minimizes institutional risk, strengthens operational effectiveness, and coordinates with external counsel on specialized matters.

Characteristic Duties:

Legal Advisory & Risk Management

Provides timely and practical legal advice to senior leadership, administrators, and departments on employment, student, and institutional matters.

Identifies potential legal risks and recommends proactive strategies to mitigate exposure.

Coordinates with outside counsel on litigation, specialized legal matters, or high-risk cases.

Compliance & Policy Development

Monitors, interprets, and communicates changes in federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Manages Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and public records requests, advising departments, ensuring compliance with timelines, and mitigating legal risk.

Assists in the development, review, and revision of Harper College policies, handbooks, and procedures to ensure legal compliance and alignment with institutional goals.

Reviews departmental materials for legal sufficiency and regulatory adherence.

Contractual & Document Review

Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, agreements, memoranda, and other legal documents.

Ensures internal documentation reflects best legal practices and minimizes institutional risk.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

Maintains comprehensive records of legal matters, advice, and documentation.

Provides regular updates to senior leadership on legal issues, trends, and compliance requirements.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

Education: Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in Illinois and in good standing with the Illinois Bar.

Experience: Minimum 5 years of legal experience in civil, government, or higher education law, with increasing responsibility. Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations applicable to higher education, including Title IX, Title VI, FERPA, ADA, employment law, collective bargaining, and commercial contracts. Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to advise administrators across the institution. Ability to manage confidential matters with discretion. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Preferred

Experience: Seven or more years of legal experience, preferably including higher education, civil, or governmental practice. Experience managing FOIA/public records requests. Demonstrated composure and professionalism in high-pressure or sensitive situations.