Position Summary
The Principal Campus Counsel provides coordination between the Office of Campus Counsel, the Office of the President, and systemwide UC attorneys concerning the legal needs and requirements of UC Santa Cruz. Acting on behalf of the Santa Cruz campus at the direction of the Chief Campus Counsel; and undertaking legal assignments at the direction of the Chief Campus Counsel. Provides legal advise on multiple matters with a high degree of knowledge and substantial expertise in one or more of the following areas: labor and employment, technology transfer and intellectual property, real estate transactions, international exchange agreements, privacy and data security. Practice areas may also include: risk management; research regulation and compliance; constitutional law; auxiliary and service enterprises; development and maintenance of campus facilities and assets; contracts; and various other areas where institutional rights and responsibilities are implicated. Independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects, including those holding substantial importance and impact. Interprets complex facts and law in areas of high ambiguity.
JOB DUTIES
30% – STRATEGIC PARTNER
• 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.
• Provides advice on a wide range of legal questions associated with the administration, management, and operation of the campus as requested by the Chief Campus Counsel.
20% – LEGAL OPINION
• Reviews and evaluates revisions to or proposed campus policies and procedures and advises the Chief Campus Counsel, or other originating officer, on the legal implications of policy and procedure content and promulgation. In this regard, the Principal Campus Counsel seeks the consultation and opinion of Office of General Counsel (OGC) existing legal opinions are insufficient or where the law may be unclear or ambiguous.
• Assists in the formulation of the campus response to University-wide policy initiatives.
20% – NEGOTIATION
• Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents. Act as a liaison with outside counsel, and / or represent the University in complex litigation.
• Negotiates or acts as an agent of campus administrators in special transactions as requested by the Chief Campus Counsel, including: settlement agreements, special contracts and agreements, license applications, exchange agreements with other universities, liability waivers, acceptance of subpoenas, and interaction with governmental agencies.
10% – BUDGET
• Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.
• Prepares cost / benefit proposals concerning areas of work to perform in-house, versus payment for an outside firm, manages outside counsel budget for area of specialty.
10% – OPERATIONS
• Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.
• Prepares cost / benefit proposals concerning areas of work to perform in-house, versus payment for an outside firm, manages outside counsel budget for area of specialty.
• Provides timely updates to the Chief Campus Counsel on all significant matters.
• Ensures accurate record keeping in compliance with UC Legal data quality protocols.
10% – DIVERSITY & EQULITY
• Practices established Values for Principles of Community: collaborative, supportive, respectful of differences, and committed to fairness and diversity.
• Supports Office of General Counsel and UC Santa Cruz’s commitment to diversity efforts – ensures equal opportunity in recruitment process by ensuring diverse representation on search committees and outreach efforts.
• Promotes equity in advancements.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Seven or more years of relevant practice experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity.
• In depth abilities in strategic and creative thinking.
• In depth abilities in collaboration and facilitation.
• Demonstrated ability to establish trusted partnerships with senior management and a diverse spectrum of clients.
• In-depth understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty area.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade and educate.
• Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, to include senior leaders.
• Advanced written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and / or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.
• Advanced research skills; ability to readily identify critical legislative changes in area of specialty.
• In depth decision making ability, even when unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.
• Advanced skills in project management.
• Advanced skills in facilitating policy review and changes.
• Advanced skills in stating information /concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
• Developing ability to mentor and coach all levels of staff; provide for succession planning in area of specialty.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.
HOW TO APPLY:
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO USE THE UCSC ON-LINE PROCESS
View full job description and access on-line application: https://apptrkr.com/4192949
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.
