Principal Campus Counsel

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

The UC Irvine Office of Campus Counsel advises the UC Irvine Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, the Vice Chancellors, Deans, health care executives, and other campus leadership with respect to a broad range of legal issues across the UC Irvine enterprise.

Under the general supervision of the UC Irvine Chief Campus Counsel and Vice Chancellor - Legal Affairs Irvine Campus (Chief Campus Counsel), the Principal Campus Counsel assists in providing advice on the legal rights and obligations of the institution to the UC Irvine Chancellor, and through the Chancellor to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, Vice Chancellors, Deans, department chairs, unit heads, and other academic and administrative officers of the campus. The Principal Campus Counsel provides coordination and acts as a liaison between the UC Irvine Office of the Chancellor, the University of California's (UC) Office of the President, and the UC Office of the General Counsel concerning UC Irvine's legal needs and requirements and acts on behalf of the campus, as delegated by the Chief Campus Counsel; undertakes specific legal assignments at the direction of the Chief Campus Counsel; and reports to the Chief Campus Counsel and to the General Counsel of the University of California system.

Provides substantial expertise within the University on the wide range of legal questions associated with the administration, management, and operation of the campus as requested by the Chief Campus Counsel. Independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects, to include the most complex and that of substantial importance and impact. Interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity.

General practice areas may include: student matters; matters implicating constitutional law (religion, speech, association, privacy, and procedural rights) and federal and state laws (including, but not limited to, anti-discrimination laws; e.g., Title VI, Title IX, and the ADA), auxiliary and service enterprises; development and maintenance of campus facilities and assets; contracts and procurement; real estate, occupational safety and health; risk management; public records; and various other areas where institutional rights and responsibilities are implicated.

Establishes effective relationships with key internal and external constituencies. Recognizes strategic needs of organization and proactively builds relationships with appropriate stakeholders to help ensure successful outcomes. Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units, providing practical advice and alternative solutions to business issues.

Assists the UC General Counsel in connection with litigated matters involving the campus and monitors such litigation for the Chief Campus Counsel.

Reviews and evaluates proposed campus policies and procedures or revisions to current policies and procedures and advises the Chief Campus Counsel, or other senior leaders, on the legal implications of policy and procedure content and promulgation. In this regard, the Principal Campus Counsel seeks the consultation and opinion of the UC Office of the General Counsel where existing legal opinions are insufficient or where the law may be unclear or ambiguous.

Negotiates or acts as the agent of the campus administration in special transactions as requested by the Chief Campus Counsel, including settlement agreements, special contracts and agreements, license applications, exchange agreements with other universities, liability waivers, acceptance of subpoenas, and interaction with governmental agencies. In so doing, is expected to exercise judgment to remain with the limits specified and instruction stipulated by the Chief Campus Counsel.

Prepares or obtains from the UC Office of the General Counsel, legal opinions and advice as sought by the campus administration.

Assists in the formulation of the campus response to the University-wide policy initiatives.

Executes all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Campus Counsel.

Required:

• In depth abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
• Trusted partner with senior management and a diverse spectrum of clients. Demonstrated excellence in providing sound counsel to clients and in effective client interactions
• In-depth understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty area, even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Advanced 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.
• Advanced written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and / or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.
• Advanced research skills; ability to readily identify critical legislative changes in area of specialty.
• In depth decision making ability, even when unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.
• Advanced skills in project management, and facilitating policy review and changes.
• Relied on to represent institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Must possess a J.D. from an accredited law school.
• 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.)
• Minimum seven (7) years as a practicing attorney.

Preferred:

• Relevant practice experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity.

Special Conditions:

• Position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, inclusive of onsite and remote work.

Total Compensation

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $226,100- $250,000 (Annual).

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Employment Misconduct*
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E-Verify
• Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing 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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.