Location: OaklandFull Time
Job ID: 42556
Job Posting

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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 General Counsel (UCL - OGC) delivers ethical, timely, efficient and high quality legal services to the University of California ten campuses, five medical centers, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as well as to the Board of Regents, the President, the Chancellors and other officers of the University. Its services include prosecuting and defending litigation, drafting and negotiating agreements, providing advice, counsel and interpretation of laws, regulations and policies, and assisting with development of effective compliance and risk mitigation strategies to facilitate the University's complex operations.

The Business, Transactions, and Innovation (BTI) practice group handles a broad range of business transactions including, but not limited to, transactions involving innovative research, joint ventures, collaborations, international activities, public finance, real estate, land use, construction, investments, intellectual property, laboratory affairs, energy, tax-exempt organizations, charitable giving, trusts and estates, and institutional advancement.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position provides substantial expertise in the construction and development legal matters and projects. Reporting to the Managing Counsel - Business, Transactions and Innovation, this position independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects in the construction practice area, to include the most complex and that of substantial importance and impact. The Principal Counsel interprets complex facts and the law and advises on complex matters in an atmosphere of substantial ambiguity. The Principal Counsel also provides functional advice, training and/or guidance to clients and to less-experienced attorneys, and may act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in certain complex litigation.

Responsibilities require substantial knowledge of laws, regulations and policies applicable to a broad range of construction and land use issues including, but not limited to, the Public Contracting Code, and Regents bylaws and policies. Drafts, reviews and revises a variety of instruments involving the University's interest such as policies and contracts. Manages and advises on construction litigation matters.

All team members are expected to actively participate in initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and/or inclusion, whether at UC or in the community.

Responsibilities

85%

Client Services:

• Provides substantial high quality, timely and solution-oriented expertise within the University in the construction and development specialties and independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects, to include the highest complexity and that of significant importance and impact to the University.
• Interprets complex facts and the law in areas of moderate to high ambiguity.
• 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.
• Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.
• May act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in administrative or court litigation.
• Keeps informed on changing policy, legislation and case law developments affecting overall operations of the University as they relate to the area of specialty. Advises and renders opinions to clients regarding same.
• Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.
• Demonstrate and promote appropriate risk tolerance.
• Prioritize objectives and ensure service according to those priorities.
• Prepare accurate, complete and persuasive legal documents, such as pleadings, legal responses, affidavits, position statements and briefs.

15%

Leadership:

• Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies.
• Provides clear expectations and feedback to help others to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
• Provides functional advice, training and/or guidance and effectively mentors less-experienced colleagues.
• Creates and fosters an environment that ensures collegiality and information sharing, while recognizing the need for timely decision making.
• Actively participates in initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and/or inclusion, whether at UC or in the community.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 or more years of relevant experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation, or other entity.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade and educate to maintain productive working relationships with an array of diverse interests, individuals, and constituencies.
• Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, to include senior leaders; able to lead by influence and consensus.
• Judgment, tact and diplomacy to partner with senior teams to help them achieve their strategic objectives.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Advanced written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.
• Effective research skills; ability to readily identify material information in area of specialty.
• Proven decision making ability, even when the decision is unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues and clients.
• Excellent abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking with internal and external colleagues and partners.
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.
• Outstanding presentation skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively during interactions.
• Ability to represent institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
• Demonstrated ability to act as a team player in all circumstances, as defined by contributing to the successful outcome of initiatives, accountabilities, and operations of others.

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in a University setting, even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Experience in public sector construction litigation and public competitive bidding.
• Experience in mediation, arbitration, and/or trial to resolve construction or design disputes.
• Understanding of the Mechanic's Lien Law and experience in its application to public and private construction projects.
• Understanding of public works and prevailing wage laws and experience in their application to public and private construction projects.
• Understanding of public private partnerships.

Education: Advanced degree in a related field.

License/Certifications: Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of California.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position is currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The selected candidate may be required to report to work onsite in Oakland, as business needs dictate.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary: $207,000 - $239,900 annual, commensurate with experience

UC Career Tracks job title and grade: Counsel 4, 29

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 October 6, 2022. 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

August 2021 Update: The University of California has issued a policy requiring employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID -19 before physically accessing the University location or programs. Upon hire into a UCOP position, you will be provided detailed instructions on how to comply with this policy including access to the COVID vaccination at no cost. New hires to UCOP who work onsite or will come onsite for any activities at a UCOP or other UC location must comply with this policy within 8 weeks after their start date. The policy allows for employees to request approval for an exception or deferral. UC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, 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. EEO/AA Employer UC Nondiscrimination Policy

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.

To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucop/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=19&JobOpeningId=42556&PostingSeq=1

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