General Counsel
Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Illinois State University in the search for its next General Counsel. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President's Cabinet, the General Counsel provides strategic counsel and guidance on all legal matters affecting the University.
Illinois State University—the state's first public university—is a nationally recognized public R2 institution enrolling nearly 22,000 students. With seven academic colleges, a strong tradition of student-centered teaching, and a commitment to civic engagement and inclusive excellence, Illinois State is recognized as a top value institution in one of the nation's best college towns.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced legal executive to provide counsel to the university’s senior leaders, shape institutional policy, and help guide a complex and dynamic public university as it advances its strategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Responsible for all legal matters affecting Illinois State University and provides legal counsel to the President and administrative officers.
- Ensure the efficient and prompt delivery of legal services to Illinois State University.
- Provide periodic reports to the President on outstanding litigation matters.
- Provide strategic and tactical guidance and direction in all aspects of the management of the Office of the General Counsel, including staff management and development, and budget.
- Establish general guidelines for legal services.
- Coordinate legal interpretations and options as to policies, procedures, rules and regulations affecting university operating procedures, personnel and students.
- Maintain current knowledge of the legal implications of the latest national, state, and local developments affecting Illinois State University.
Required Qualifications
- A J.D. or LL.B. degree from an ABA accredited law school.
- Ten years as a practicing attorney in a complex higher education, government, non-profit, corporate or other organization with comparable complexity; five years of that experience in higher education law.
- Admission to the Illinois bar by the time of appointment, or an active license to practice law in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and eligibility for a limited license under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 716.
- Excellent independent judgment and decision-making skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong management and interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate.
- Experience supervising/managing other attorneys, department staff, outside legal counsel, and budgets.
Experience as General Counsel or Associate General Counsel in Illinois public higher education and admission to Federal Courts in Illinois is preferred.
Application and Nomination Process
Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Illinois State University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Inquiries and nominations should be directed to Kyle Pybus-Jerome and/or Jim Johnsen from Greenwood Asher & Associates.
Application materials should include:
- A letter of interest addressing qualifications and leadership experience
- A current résumé or curriculum vitae
- Names and contact information for three professional references (references will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval)
Applications should be submitted via: Illinois State University Careers – General Counsel
We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. For best consideration, applications and nominations should be provided by August 28, 2026.
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