POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Counsel, Litigation oversees outside counsel and directly handles various types of litigation and adversarial proceedings involving the University. The emphasis will be on direct handling of internal administrative hearings and writ petitions challenging those decisions. The position will also handle proceedings under the California Public Records Act, commercial disputes, and consumer class actions. 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 the most 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.

By practicing OGC's established Values for Principles of Community, all employees are expected to create and maintain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

To apply, visit their job page.

Required Qualifications

• Requires at least 8 years litigation experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity.
• 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: Must possess a J.D. from an accredited law school.

License/Certifications: Required to be a member in good standing of the California Bar.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Legal - Office of the General Counsel (UCL) provides legal services to the university, including representation, advice, research and training. We also provide legal opinions to the Board of Regents, administration, faculty, staff and others acting on the university's behalf. We report jointly to the Board of Regents and the president.