General Counsel

ZRG has been engaged to recruit a General Counsel for Parker University, the fourth-fastest-growing college in Texas and the fastest-growing college in Dallas, founded in 1982 by Dr. James William Parker (formerly Parker College of Chiropractic).

The General Counsel will serve as the chief legal officer of the university, providing senior leadership with advice on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and compliance issues. This position plays a critical role in supporting the mission of advancing health education and research in the wellness strength and human performance space. The General Counsel ensures that the university’s policies and practices reflect the highest ethical and legal standards, including the oversight of the Human Resources (HR) department.

Position Description:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for drafting legal documents, communicating legal advice to stakeholders, and delivering presentations. Clear communication is also vital for effectively liaising with employees, management, and external legal counsel;
• A strong understanding of employment law, labor regulations, contract law, and other relevant legal areas is crucial. This includes staying updated on changes in legislation that may affect the organization's HR policies and practices;
• Work effectively with cross-functional teams, including legal, HR, finance, operations, and other departments. Build strong relationships and foster collaboration to achieve common goals and drive organizational success;
• Uphold high ethical standards and ensure compliance with legal and ethical guidelines. This includes maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and promoting fairness and equity in HR practices;
• Provide legal guidance on issues affecting the institution, including corporate governance, employment law, contracts, student affairs, intellectual property, real estate, and regulatory compliance;
• Oversee the management of all legal matters, including litigation, disputes, and the HR department, ensuring effective representation, risk mitigation, and compliance with employment laws and practices;
• Negotiate, draft, and review legal documents and agreements to protect the university's interests;
• Advise on compliance with federal and state regulations applicable to higher education and healthcare, such as HIPAA, FERPA, and state-specific health laws;
• Serve as a key advisor to the Board of Trustees and senior administration on legal implications of university policies and potential legal liabilities;
• Lead, manage, and mentor the university’s legal department, outside counsel, and HR team;
• Develop and oversee the university's compliance, ethics programs, and HR strategies;
• Keep abreast of legislative changes that may affect the university in areas such as employment law, healthcare, and education;
• Participate in strategic planning and provide legal advice on the development of new programs and initiatives;
• Liaison with outside counsel.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school;
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas;
• 10-plus years of legal experience, with significant experience in higher education or healthcare and extensive knowledge of employment law;
• Strong understanding of the legal issues facing non-profit, educational, and healthcare institutions;
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills;
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and manage multiple complex legal projects effectively;
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.

Location:

Dallas, Texas, is a vibrant and dynamic city known for its rich history, thriving economy, and diverse culture. Located in North Texas, it is the ninth-largest city in the United States and a major hub for business, arts, and sports. The city's skyline is iconic, featuring landmarks like the Reunion Tower and the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. Dallas boasts a robust economy driven by industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and energy. Its central location and expansive infrastructure have made it a key player in transportation and logistics, earning it the nickname "Big D."

In addition to its economic prowess, Dallas is celebrated for its cultural and recreational offerings. The Arts District, one of the largest in the country, is home to world-class museums, theaters, and galleries, while the city’s culinary scene offers a mix of Tex-Mex, barbecue, and innovative dining experiences. Sports enthusiasts can cheer on professional teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, and Stars. With its warm climate, friendly atmosphere, and a blend of Southern charm and urban sophistication, Dallas attracts visitors and residents from around the world.

Interview Process:

ZRG provides our global Clients with a rigorous and patented assessment platform grounded in data and analytics. Our interview process includes the following:

1. Initial interviews with ZRG
2. ZRG presentation of candidates to Client for calibration and discussion; Client selects candidates for consideration and initial interviews
3. Candidates complete ZRG’s on-line assessment
4. Finalist candidates advance to second and third-round interviews with the broader leadership team
5. Formal referencing
6. Offer extended

How to Apply?

To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations and all applications (PDF files preferred) should be submitted, in confidence, to:

ZRG Partners

Parker University – General Counsel search

ParkerUniversityGC@zrgpartners.com