Principal Counsel, Litigation

at  University of California Office of the President

Location: OaklandFull Time
Job ID: 65234
Job Posting
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Position Base: Oakland
Location: UCOP - Franklin Building

POSITION SUMMARY

The position deploys substantial civil litigation expertise managing a wide variety of litigation within the general liability program; working closely with outside counsel in developing case strategy consistent with University policy and protocols; independently handling a full range of legal matters and projects, including matters based on tort, contract and statutory principles. The program includes matters that are complex and involve matters of substantial importance and impact to the University. The position requires interpretation of complex facts, application of the law in areas of high ambiguity; providing functional advice to senior managers and campus stakeholders concerning risk assessment, liability, and damages; acting as a liaison among outside counsel, campus counsel, campus risk managers, and other campus constituents; and drafting, reviewing, and revising discovery documents, pleadings, and briefs. The general liability program encompasses a wide variety of claims, including personal injury, auto, third party ADA claims, police practices, cyber, and other matters asserting a mix of tort, contract and statutory claims, as well as first party property and subrogation claims. This position will also evaluate the applicability of self-insurance, and commercial insurance and reinsurance, identify and pursue opportunities for indemnification from third parties, as well as advise on risk-related issues such as waivers, assumption of risk, and insurance and indemnification provisions in a myriad of contracts and grants.
By practicing UC Legal’s established Values for Principles of Community, all team members are expected to promote and maintain a workforce that is collaborative, supportive, respectful of differences, and committed to fairness and diversity in all interactions, both within and outside the team.
Responsibilities

85% Legal

• 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.
• Advises and renders opinions to senior leaders with respect to the legal implications of establishing or changing policy.
• 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 substantial expertise, advice, and counsel on highly complex legal matters in civil litigation.
• Functions as a lead and technical resource within the area of practice.
• Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.
• May act as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represent the University in complex litigation.
• Develops objectives and ensures service according to established priorities.
• Independently handles full range of legal matters and projects, to include those which hold substantial importance and impact.

10% Supervision and Leadership

• Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies.
• Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
• Practices OGC’s established Values for Principles of Community: collaborative, supportive, respectful of differences, and committed to fairness and diversity in all interactions, both within and outside the team.
• Supports OGC’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 and encourages participation in career advising or mentoring programs.
• Provides functional advice, training and/or guidance and effectively mentors less-experienced attorneys.
• Understand that safety and environmental issues are essential elements of ensuring the continued success of UC and its employees, and maintain a safe, healthy and environmentally sound workplace.

5% Other

• 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.

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

• Proven abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
• Thorough understanding of complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in a University setting, even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Strong 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.
• 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.
• Relied on to represent institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
• Strong coaching and leadership skills to provide clear expectations, guidance and performance feedback 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

• Minimum of 5 years of experience handling general liability cases, complex litigation, or tort defense work.
• In-house or public sector work is a plus.
• Litigation experience beyond traditional general liability cases.

Education
Advanced degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training required

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

25% Occasional business travel.

Please refer the Job description for details