SENIOR COUNSEL, LITIGATION

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Position Base: Oakland

Location: UCOP - Franklin Building

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

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

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Counsel, Core Litigation oversees outside counsel and directly handles various types of litigation and adversarial proceedings involving the University, both independently and in collaboration with more senior attorneys. The emphasis will be on: direct handling of third-party subpoenas for records and testimony, workplace violence restraining orders, internal administrative hearings and the petitions challenging those decisions, and California Public Records Act proceedings; negotiation of contract disputes; pursuing affirmative litigation and claims on behalf of the University; and defending the University against litigation. The attorney may be involved in multiple 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 efficiently 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 or paralegals, 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 both independently with minimal supervision, and collaborate with other attorneys on the Litigation team, as well as attorneys in other practice groups.

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.

• 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 expertise, advice, and counsel on complex legal matters in civil litigation.

• Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.

• Manages and oversees outside counsel, and/or directly represents the University in litigation and internal administrative proceedings.

• Develops objectives and ensures service according to established priorities.

• Independently or in collaboration with more senior attorneys handles a wide range of legal matters and projects.

• Represents institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.

15% Compliance and 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 UC Legal data quality protocols.
• Compliance with delegations of authority for committing University funds.

5% Leadership

• Provides functional advice, training and/or guidance and effectively mentors less experienced attorneys or paralegals.
• Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of 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 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 communications 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

• Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar.

Travel Requirements

• 20% Occasional business travel for depositions, mediations, court appearances, and the like.

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").

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Counsel 3
Job Code: 000202
Salary Grade: Grade 27

Payscale: $185,000 - $198,700 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 January 12, 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.