The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

UC Legal - Office of General Counsel is located in Oakland, California, and is staffed with system-wide legal experts who provide an extraordinary range of legal services to the University of California (UC) and its Office of the President, its 10 campuses and 5 medical centers, as well as its reserves and field stations. For more information, visit https://www.ucop.edu/uc-legal/.

The Principal Counsel, Core Litigation, manages outside counsel and handles complex litigation and adversarial matters involving the University. Responsibilities may include administrative hearings and writ petitions, California Public Records Act proceedings, commercial disputes, class actions, bankruptcy, collections, trusts and estates, third-party subpoenas, and affirmative recoveries.

The attorney manages all phases of litigation, including trial, appeals, and witness depositions, while providing practical legal advice, compliance guidance, and risk mitigation strategies across the University. Additional responsibilities include overseeing outside counsel, mentoring less-experienced attorneys, and contributing to University-wide policies and procedures. The successful candidate must be able to independently manage complex legal matters and provide sound, practical advice in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities:

80% Core Legal Services:

• Builds strategic relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

• Serves as a trusted advisor to University business units, providing practical legal advice and solutions.

• Advises senior leadership on legal and policy matters.

• Collaborates with colleagues across the University to ensure compliance with changing legal requirements.

• Provides expert counsel on complex civil litigation and negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.

• Manages outside counsel and directly represents the University in complex litigation.

• Independently handles high-impact legal matters and projects.

• Persuasively represents institutional interests to internal and external parties.

• Supports the Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel with litigation-related matters 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.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong collaboration, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough understanding of complex legal issues and strong legal research abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build credibility with colleagues, clients, and senior leadership.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills, including in challenging situations.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound discretion.
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Strong project management and policy development skills.

Education/Licenses and Certifications:

• Advanced degree in related area required
• Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar.

Annual salary range with benefits: $235,000 - $272,000.

Go HERE to view the complete job description and submit your application.