PRINCIPAL COUNSEL, GOVERNMENTAL ETHICS/CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

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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 means 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 - Office of General Counsel is located in Oakland, California, and is staffed with system-wide legal experts who provide an extraordinary range of legal services to the University of California (UC) and its Office of the President, its 10 campuses and 5 medical centers, as well as its reserves and field stations. For more information, visit https://www.ucop.edu/uc-legal/.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Principal Counsel provides substantial expertise within the University regarding key governmental conflict of interest and ethics laws, including in particular the California Political Reform Act, but also the Public Contracting Code, Government Code 1090, as well as advising on related University policies and other governance matters. Responsibilities include, for example, advising on Form 700, receipt of gifts, free travel, disqualification rules, new entity creation, lobbying, outside professional activities for senior leadership, as well as application of government ethics laws to affiliated entities. Directly advises members of the Board of Regents and senior leadership at University campuses, in the Office of the President and in the Chief Investment Office on these matters. Independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects, to include the most complex and those of substantial importance and impact. Interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity. The Principal Counsel problem solves and thinks creatively to identify ethical and legally compliant pathways to achieve University goals. Although the primary responsibilities will focus on conflict of interest and ethics advising, the Principal Counsel will also advise in other areas within the Education Affairs and Governance group, which may include areas of University governance and public accountability, and advising the Academic Senate on matters related to faculty discipline.

Responsibilities

90% Core Legal Services:

• Advises members of University leadership, the Board of Regents, and other University clients on matters related to conflicts of interest and ethics, including under the Political Reform Act.
• Thinks creatively to identify ethical and legally compliant pathways to achieve University goals.
• Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units, providing practical advice and alternative solutions to business issues. Independently handles a full range of legal matters and projects, to include the most complex and those of substantial importance and impact. Interprets complex facts and the law in areas of moderate to high ambiguity.
• Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.
• May act as a liaison with outside counsel.
• Typically manages outside counsel budget for area of specialty.
• Provides functional advice, training and/or guidance and effectively mentors less-experienced attorneys.
• Recognizes strategic needs of organization and proactively builds relationships with appropriate stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.
• Establishes effective relationships with key internal and external constituencies.
• 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.
• Keeps informed on changing legislation and case law developments affecting overall operations of the University as they relate to the area of specialty.

10% Leadership:

• Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies.
• Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
• Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.
• Provides guidance to attorneys interested in field of expertise.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant practice experience in a government entity, law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity required.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to effectively advise clients in senior leadership roles on complex and ambiguous issues.

• Expert understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty area, even when ambiguous or hidden.

• Advanced research skills to draft accurate, complete and persuasive legal documents; ability to readily identify critical legislative changes in area of specialty.

• Advanced skills in project management, and facilitating policy review and changes.

• Developing ability to mentor and coach all levels of staff; provide for succession planning in area of specialty. In depth abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.

• In-depth understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty area, even when ambiguous or hidden.

• Outstanding 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.

• 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.

• Advanced written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.

• In depth decision making ability, even when unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising clients on conflict of interest laws and policies in a university or public agency setting.

• Experience with the California Political Reform Act and associated regulations and advice letters.

• Experience either interacting with or working inside government regulatory agencies, such as the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

Education

• Advanced degree in related area

Licenses and Certifications

Must be a member in good standing of the California State Bar or admitted within one year of employment. CURRENT ADMISSION IS STRONGLY PREFERRED.

Travel Requirements
5% Minimal travel largely within California

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis. Current policy requires that a new employee work on-site at least two days per week on Tuesday and Wednesdays ("anchor days"). In exceptional circumstances, approved by the General Counsel, candidates residing in or willing to relocate to California may be considered for a fully remote work arrangement.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Counsel 4
Job Code: 000201
Salary Grade: Grade 29
Payscale: $235,000 - $272,000 annual, commensurate with experience

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.

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 July 10, 2026. 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

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

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO 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 status under state or federal law.

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