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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.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Legal - Office of General Counsel (OGC) delivers ethical, timely, efficient and high quality legal services to the University of California ten campuses, six medical centers, and three national laboratories, 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.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Managing Counsel, Business, Transactions, and Innovation, this position handles a broad range of corporate transactions and requires a strong background in areas that could include the following: structuring, documenting, and negotiating corporate transactions, such as joint ventures, collaborations, and partnerships; acquisitions; energy-related transactions, including renewable energy purchase and sale agreements, contracts for environmental commodities such as carbon offsets and voluntary compliance credits, and electricity trading contracts; the creation of new entities (e.g., LLCs, 501(c)(3) corporations) and ongoing governance thereof; finance and lending/borrowing arrangements, including banking contracts; investments; procurement; and other commercial and corporate transactions.

Responsibilities

90% Client Service:

• Handles a broad range of corporate transactions that could include the following: structuring, documenting, and negotiating corporate transactions, such as joint ventures, collaborations, and partnerships; acquisitions; energy-related transactions, including renewable energy purchase and sale agreements, contracts for environmental commodities such as carbon offsets and voluntary compliance credits, and electricity trading contracts; the creation of new entities (e.g., LLCs, 501(c)(3) corporations) and ongoing governance thereof; finance and lending/borrowing arrangements, including banking contracts; investments; procurement; and other commercial and corporate transactions.
• Brings to bear corporate expertise in a variety of the University's transactions with third parties to achieve innovative research, education, and operations goals and to expand the University's reach.
• Advises University 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.
• Understands the diverse needs and interests of various stakeholder groups; creates and fosters an environment to ensure collegiality and information sharing.
• Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units, providing practical advice and alternative solutions to business issues.
• Interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity. Contributes towards the success of initiatives by providing practical legal services and deliverables in a timely manner.
• Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.
• May act as a liaison with outside counsel, and / or represent the University in complex litigation.

10% Leadership and Administration:

• Provide functional advice, training and / or guidance and effectively mentors less-experienced attorneys.
• Develops objectives and ensures service according to established priorities.
• 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.
• Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
• Refers employee relations issues to supervisor or OGC Human Resources for assistance.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Min 5 years of relevant legal practice in-house or with law firm.
• Relevant practice 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.
• Trusted partner with senior management and a diverse spectrum of clients.
• 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.

Education: Advanced degree in related area required.

License/Certifications: Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar. (Out-of-state hire would be afforded time to pass the Bar within a reasonable period.)

Travel Requirements
0%

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position has been approved for a hybrid (onsite and remote) work arrangement in the state of California. The person hired must reside in California and may be required to report to work onsite in Oakland, CA as business needs dictate.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

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

Payscale: $170,000 - $192,000, commensurate with experience

Full Range: 129,600 - 254,200

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. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit:

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 November 28, 2023. 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.

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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.

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