87854 – Principal Counsel

University of California

University of California

Oakland, CA

Position Summary

The Principal Counsel, Core Litigation oversees outside counsel and directly handles various types of litigation and adversarial proceedings involving the University. Core Litigation may involve some or all of the following areas of law: direct handling of internal administrative hearings and writ petitions challenging those decisions; proceedings under the California Public Records Act; commercial disputes; consumer class actions; bankruptcy; collections and pursuit of affirmative recoveries; trusts and estates; and third-party subpoenas. The attorney will be involved in all phases of litigation, including trial, appeal, and representation of University witnesses in depositions. The position involves providing advice on legal issues affecting all campuses, medical centers, the Office of the President and the University at-large, including assisting with the development of effective compliance and risk mitigation strategies to facilitate the University’s complex operations. This position does not handle matters that are covered by the University’s employment, general liability, and medical malpractice insurance programs. The position requires the ability to handle complex and challenging legal matters, litigation and projects. The position demands that the successful candidate be able to provide actionable and practical advice based on sophisticated interpretation of facts and law in an atmosphere of ambiguity. The position may require the provision of functional advice, training, and/or guidance to less-experienced attorneys, and participation in the review, revision and establishment of University-wide policies and procedures. The position will require management and oversight of outside counsel. The successful candidate will need to be able to work independently with minimal supervision. All team members are expected to actively participate in initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and/or inclusion, whether at UC or in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities
80% Core Legal Services:
Establishes effective relationships with key internal and external constituencies.
Recognizes strategic needs of organization and proactively builds relationships with appropriate stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.
Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units, providing practical advice and alternative solutions to business issues.
Advises and renders opinions to senior leaders with respect to the legal implications of establishing or changing policy.
Works with colleagues at the Office of the President or campus/medical center locations to develop and modify practices and procedures to conform with changing legal requirements.
Provides substantial expertise, advice, and counsel on highly complex legal matters in civil litigation.
Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.
Manages and oversees outside counsel, and/or directly represent the University in complex litigation.
Develops objectives and ensures service according to established priorities.
Independently handles full range of legal matters and projects, to include those which hold substantial importance and impact.
Represents institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
Supports Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel in preparation and submission of litigation-related items for Regents meetings.
15% Compliance & Resource Management:
Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies.
Makes recommendations concerning areas of work to perform in-house, versus payment for an outside firm.
Ensures accurate record keeping in compliance with OGC data quality protocols.
Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.
5% Leadership:
Provides functional advice, training and/or guidance and effectively mentors less-experienced attorneys.
Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
Develops guidance, processes and practices for the Core litigation team and facilitates knowledge management and knowledge transfer.
Experience:
Minimum of 8 years of litigation experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity required.
Skills and Competencies
Required Qualifications:
Proven abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
Thorough understanding of complex legal issues.
Strong interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade and educate.
Able to build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, to include senior leaders.
Strong written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.
In-depth research skills to draft accurate, complete and persuasive legal documents, such as pleadings, legal responses, affidavits, position statements and briefs.
Proven decision making ability, even when unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.
Strong coaching and leadership skills to provide clear expectations and guidance to less experienced attorneys and legal support staff.
Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.
Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.
Advanced skills in project management, and facilitating policy review and changes.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to foresee implications in a University setting, even when ambiguous or hidden.
Education:
Advanced degree in related area required
Licenses and Certifications
Required Qualifications
Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar.
Travel Requirements
5% Occasional travel for court appearances, mediations, depositions, meetings, etc., the vast majority within the State of California.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at UC’s Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis. Current policy requires that a new employee work on-site at least two days per week on Tuesday and Wednesdays (“anchor days”). In exceptional circumstances, approved by the General Counsel, candidates residing in or willing to relocate to California may be considered for a fully remote work arrangement.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Job Title: Counsel 4
Job Code: 000201
Salary Grade: Grade 29
PayScale: $235,000 – $272,000 annual, commensurate with experience
The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.
APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The first review date for this job is August 24, 2026. The position will be open until filled.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP
Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
APM – 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment EEO STATEMENT
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
The University of California, Office of the President, strives to make this job board accessible to any and all users. If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at: Accessibility or email the Human Resource Department at: epost@ucop.edu.
How to Apply
Please apply via this link.

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