Andrew Vance
Murfreesboro,TN
Summary
Seasoned Contracts Attorney with expertise in contract negotiation, compliance, and risk management in public higher education. Review and assess legal and operational risks for numerous contracts, structuring complex agreements, and establishing contract standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align legal frameworks with organizational operations.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Contract Compliance
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
Murfreesboro, USA
11.2024 - Current
- Promoted through multiple roles based on performance and increased responsibility within the University’s contract compliance function.
- Lead the University’s contract review and negotiation function, serving as the primary point of review for legal, financial, and operational risk across vendor agreements.
- Review and negotiate approximately 2,000 contracts annually across all University departments and affiliated entities, including the MTSU Foundation, spanning SaaS, clinical, research, and service agreements.
- Advise Procurement, IT, Risk Management, Finance, and other stakeholders on contract structure, risk allocation, and compliance with Tennessee law and university policy.
- Highlighted high-risk matters to University Counsel for necessary review.
- Developed and maintained standard contract templates and guidance to enhance consistency and streamline compliance processes across the institution.
- Coordinated cross-functional contract reviews with IT security, accessibility, insurance, and finance to ensure comprehensive risk assessment.
- Serve as a primary advisor on high-risk agreements involving data privacy, liability structuring, and regulatory compliance.
- Established consistent contract review processes across Procurement, IT, Risk Management, and Finance, improving collaboration and efficiency.
Director of Contract Compliance
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
Murfreesboro, USA
03.2023 - 11.2024
- Promoted to Director to assume increased responsibility for contract review operations and oversight.
- Oversaw University contract review and negotiation processes for complex vendor agreements, ensuring compliance and reducing risk exposure.
- Advised departments and stakeholders on contract structure, risk allocation, and compliance requirements.
- Coordinated contract review and issue resolution with Procurement, IT, Risk Management, and University Counsel, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Supervised contract review activities, providing strategic guidance to contract staff to improve quality and consistency.
- Developed contract templates, standards, and internal processes to enhance efficiency and consistency across the organization.
Manager of Contract Compliance
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
Murfreesboro, USA
01.2022 - 03.2023
- Promoted into a leadership role supporting the University’s contract review and compliance function.
- Reviewed contracts and grants to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies, facilitating timely University signature.
- Drafted agreements and amendments, negotiating terms with vendors to ensure alignment with University standards and protect institutional interests.
- Served as a primary point of contact for vendors and departments regarding contract requirements and documentation.
- Represented the University in contract negotiations and procurement-related matters.
- Monitored legal and regulatory developments, updating internal processes to enhance compliance and reduce risk exposure.
Solo Practitioner
Law Office of Andrew T. Vance
Murfreesboro, USA
10.2017 - 01.2022
- Represented clients in criminal, probate, and civil matters, advising on case strategy and effectively managing hearings and motions.
- Drafted appellate briefs and legal motions, including a successful post-conviction appeal before the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals.
- Conducted legal research and analysis on constitutional and procedural issues, informing case strategies and legal arguments.
- Resolved landlord-tenant disputes and negotiated real estate contracts, achieving favorable settlements for clients.
- Provided contract-based legal services to local attorneys, enhancing case support through drafting and detailed legal research.
Judicial Law Clerk
16th Judicial District of Tennessee
Murfreesboro, USA
05.2016 - 09.2017
- Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda and court documents to inform judicial decision-making.
- Analyzed cases involving domestic relations, probate, contract disputes, and personal injury matters, facilitating case resolution.
- Acquired exposure to civil and criminal legal issues, deepening understanding of family law, estates, and property disputes.
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
University of Tennessee College of Law
Knoxville, TN05-2016
Bachelor of Science -
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN05-2013
Skills
- Contract management
- Compliance analysis
- Regulatory compliance
- Contract negotiation
- Procurement management
- Public sector contracting
- Risk management
- Contract policy development
- Change management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Team leadership
Bar Admission
Tennessee, Active
Timeline
Senior Director of Contract Compliance
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
11.2024 - Current
Director of Contract Compliance
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
03.2023 - 11.2024
Manager of Contract Compliance
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
01.2022 - 03.2023
Solo Practitioner
Law Office of Andrew T. Vance
10.2017 - 01.2022
Judicial Law Clerk
16th Judicial District of Tennessee
05.2016 - 09.2017
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
University of Tennessee College of Law
Bachelor of Science -
Middle Tennessee State University