Legal Career Center

PRINCIPAL COUNSEL, LAND USE

Location: Oakland
Job ID: 33607
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

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Managing Counsel, Business, Transactions, and Innovation, the Principal Counsel, Land Use independently handles a full range of land use and environmental legal matters, including the most complex matters and those of substantial importance and impact to the University. Provides expertise within the University to support a wide variety of land use projects arising at the 10 campuses, five medical centers and the Office of the President. Advises on compliance with CEQA, the California Coastal Act, the State and federal Endangered Species Acts, the National Environmental Policy Act and other relevant environmental laws and regulations. Direct services include CEQA compliance (review of environmental and technical documents) and project entitlement strategy, CEQA and land use litigation, negotiation with government agencies and public interest groups, and development of effective compliance and risk mitigation strategies to facilitate the University's complex land use and planning efforts. Interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity. Provides functional advice, strategy, training and guidance on land use-related legal issues affecting the UC system. Manages outside counsel and represents the University in complex CEQA and land use litigation matters.

By practicing UC Legal's established values, this position contributes to a workplace that is collaborative, supportive, respectful of differences, and committed to fairness and diversity in all interactions, both within and outside the team. It also supports UC Legal's commitment to increasing and maintaining diversity in the legal profession.

Responsibilities

85%

Core Legal Services

• 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 land use.
• Drafts and reviews complex transactional and real estate documents.
• Keeps informed on changing regulations, legislation, and case law developments affecting overall operations of the University as they relate to the area of specialty.
• 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%

Provides guidance to attorneys interested in field of expertise.

5%

Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum eight (8) years of relevant practice experience in a law firm or as in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation, or other entity, including developing strategies for compliance with CEQA and other land use-related laws.
• Demonstrated expertise in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Business transaction expertise, including public private partnership expertise.
• Thorough knowledge of complex land use matters to be able to assist campuses with navigating community and local jurisdictional concerns related to campus projects.
• Working knowledge of permitting requirements arising under the California Coastal Act.
• Working knowledge of issues involving state and federal Endangered Species Act, Timber Harvest/Conversion Plans, and historic resources.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work collaboratively with colleagues (particularly real estate, construction, and environment, health & safety) on legal strategy for capital projects.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and legal advice to attorney and non-attorney clients.
• In depth abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
• Trusted partner with senior management and a diverse spectrum of clients.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to help manage complex capital development projects on a tight schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional expertise in any of the following is preferred:

• Energy expertise, including renewable energy transactions, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, compliance, allowances and offsets under California's cap and trade program.
• Understanding of issues affecting public agencies, e.g., public contracting, procurement, prevailing wage, and governance.
• Environmental compliance counseling and defense of enforcement actions in matters of water quality, air quality, hazardous waste, property remediation, and workplace safety laws.

Education: Must possess a J.D. from an accredited law school

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.)

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Due to COVID-19, work for this position is being performed remotely. The selected candidate may be required to report to work in-person in Oakland, CA when onsite operations resume.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary: Recommended annual salary range: $198,000 - $235,000

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Legal delivers ethical, timely, efficient and high quality legal services to the University of California's 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.

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 April 22, 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.

*LI-SG1



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