Principal Campus Counsel

The Principal Campus Counsel will serve as the lead counsel for Academic Affairs, which includes academic employment (including but not limited to matters related to outside professional activities, research misconduct and related matters, authorship disputes), education affairs, academic freedom, diversity initiatives and freedom of expression, and as lead counsel for UC Davis Health (UCDH) employment and labor issues. This position will also provide legal services in response to the full range of legal issues associated with the administration of UC Davis.

The Office of Campus Counsel is located within the Offices of the Chancellor and Provost at the Davis campus and in Sacramento at the UC Davis Health campus. In consultation with the Chief Campus Counsel and Chief Health Counsel, respectively, the Principal Campus Counsel provides advice on the legal rights and obligations of the University to the Chancellor, and through the Chancellor to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, vice chancellors, vice provosts, deans, department chairs, unit heads, and other academic and administrative officers.

The Principal Campus Counsel provides coordination between the Offices of the Chancellor and Provost, the Office of the President, and the Office of the General Counsel concerning the legal needs and requirements of UC Davis and UCDH; acting on behalf of the campus at the direction of the Chief Campus Counsel; and undertaking legal assignments at the direction of the Chief Campus Counsel and Chief Health Counsel, respectively. This is a technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas.

Apply By Date

September 21^st 2024

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license, certification and/or educational degree if required of the position.

• J.D. from an accredited law school and a member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Relevant practice experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation, government, or other entity, in one or more of the following practice areas: labor and employment, academic and educational affairs, research compliance, business transactions, governance and public accountability, intellectual property, civil rights, and Constitutional law.
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive matters.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in legal research and effective writing concerning complex legal issues to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.
• Client counseling experience.
• Exceptional ability to negotiate and draft documents reflecting complex transactions.
• Advanced decision making ability, even when unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.
• Skills using standard computer software applications, including Word, Internet browsers and on-line legal research services.
• In-depth understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty area, even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Proven abilities in collaboration, facilitation, strategic and creative thinking and advanced skills in project management, and facilitating policy review and changes.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade and educate. Advanced written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.
• Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, to include senior leaders, and with a particular emphasis on building relationships with UC faculty.
• Ability to mentor and coach all levels of staff; strong coaching and leadership skills to provide clear expectations, guidance and performance feedback to less experienced attorneys and legal support staff.
• Knowledge of higher education policies and procedures.
  

Key Responsibilities 

50% - Lead Counsel for Academic Affairs

Fifty percent (50%) of this position is responsible for serving as the lead campus counsel for academic affairs, employment and policy matters for the Office of the Vice Provost – Academic Affairs, and lead legal advisor to the Provost, Vice Provost – Academic Affairs, all deans, department chairs, and other senior administrators, including engaging with the Academic Senate, on academic personnel, employment and policy matters, as well as education affairs, diversity initiatives, academic freedom and freedom of expression matters.

Duties also include, but are not limited to, legal advice, collaboration, and consultation, on a wide ranging caseload concerning academic and university policy violations and corrective action, as applicable, to mitigate risk, preparation and presentations/trainings, prepare and vet correspondence for leadership on high-level personnel matters, outside professional activities, academic discipline including engaging with the Chancellor and UC Office of the President on complicated cases, complicated disability accommodation cases managing varying projects on matters that carry high risk, and representation in response to the full range of legal issues associated with the administration, management, and operation of the UC Davis campus.

50% - Lead Counsel for UC Davis Health

Fifty percent (50%) of this position is responsible for serving as the lead campus counsel for employment, labor, and policy matters for UC Davis Health, including serving as employment counselor for UCDH leadership, Human Resources, and all department chairs, and other senior administrators on employment, labor, and policy matters for UCDH. Duties also include legal advice, consultation, and representation in response to the full range of legal issues associated with the administration, management, and operation of UC Davis Health.

This position interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity, provides functional advice, training and/or guidance to clients and to less experienced attorneys. This position reviews and revises a variety of instruments involving the University’s interest such as advice memoranda, policies and contracts. Responsibilities also include advising on laws, regulations and policies applicable to a range of University issues, including, but not limited to, SVSH, academic personnel, discipline and grievances, free speech, academic freedom, public contracts code, patient rights and responsibilities, admissions, financial aid, NAGPRA, employee and student disabilities matters, FERPA, Title VI and Title IX, Clery Act, etc. This position 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.