Legal Career Center

PRINCIPAL COUNSEL, PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY LITIGATION

Location: OaklandFull Time
Job ID: 42110
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

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Managing Counsel, Risk Litigation, the Principal Counsel, Litigation provides substantial expertise in medical and hospital professional liability litigation throughout the UC system. UC's professional liability program handles hundreds of open claims and lawsuits, ranging from minor incidents to major litigation emanating from the University's medical centers, associated hospitals and clinics, schools of medicine, dentistry and nursing, and student health centers.

The Principal Counsel works closely with outside counsel in developing case strategy consistent with University policy and protocols; independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects, including the most complex and those of substantial importance and impact to the University; interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity; provides functional advice to senior managers and campus stakeholders concerning risk assessment, liability, and damages; and drafts, reviews, and revises discovery documents, pleadings, and briefs. The position also involves acting as a liaison, consensus-builder and trusted strategic partner with Office of the President Risk Services, medical center risk managers, the University's third-party administrator, outside counsel, campus counsel, and other campus constituents. The position involves additional responsibilities relating to licensing board reporting.

The University is a consensus-based organization, and the Principal Counsel, Litigation plays a key role in helping the relevant decision makers to reach consensus regarding litigation-related decisions.

All team members are expected to actively participate in initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and/or inclusion, whether at UC or in the community.

Responsibilities

90%

Core Legal Practice

• Provides practical, actionable, and timely legal advice, counsel, and support
• Serves as a trusted, strategic partner with a diverse spectrum of University business units, providing practical advice and alternative solutions to business issues; provides substantial expertise within the University in a given legal specialty.
• 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.
• Handles a full range of legal matters and projects, to include the most complex and that of substantial importance and impact.
• Advises and renders opinions to senior leaders with respect to the legal implications of establishing or changing policy
• Works with colleagues in the UC Office of the President to develop and modify practices and procedures to conform with changing legal requirements.
• Keeps informed on changing legislation and case law development
• Interprets complex facts and the law in areas of moderate to high ambiguity.
• Functions as a lead and technical resource within the area of practice.
• Relied on to represent institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.
• Create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.

10%

Compliance, Stewardship, and Leadership

• Makes recommendations concerning areas of work to perform in-house, versus payment for an outside firm.
• Ensures accurate record-keeping in compliance with UC Legal data quality protocols.
• Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.
• Acts as a liaison with retained outside counsel and manages outside counsel budget.
• Provides 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.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years of litigation experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity.
• Advanced research skills to draft accurate, complete and persuasive legal documents; ability to readily identify critical legislative changes in area of specialty.
• Proven abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
• Thorough understanding of complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications, even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and 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, including senior leaders.
• Proven decision making ability, even when unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.
• Strong coaching and leadership skills to provide clear expectations, guidance and performance feedback to less experienced attorneys and legal support staff.
• Developing ability to mentor and coach all levels of staff; provide for succession planning in area of specialty.
• Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality with regard to sensitive issues and information and exercise discretion in dealing with sensitive or potentially sensitive topics.
• Demonstrates an active and engaged commitment to diversity. Works to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for diversity of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of subject matter expertise handling professional liability matters;
• Experience advising on California professional liability laws;
• Experience in managing litigation and disputes;
• Project management skills;
• Experience managing outside counsel.

Education: Advanced degree in a related field

License/Certifications: Current member, in good standing, of the California Bar.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

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

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary: $207,000 - $239,900, commensurate with experience

UC Career Tracks job title and grade: Counsel 4, 29

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

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 September 26, 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.



To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucop/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=19&JobOpeningId=42110&PostingSeq=1







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