The Principal Campus Counsel will serve as the lead counsel for Academic Affairs, which includes academic employment, education affairs, academic freedom, diversity initiatives and freedom of expression, and lead counsel for UCDH employment and labor issues and UCDH purchased service arrangements. 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, as appropriate, 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 of the campus.
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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Education/Experience:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
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.
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Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :
Commitment to the highest ethical standards.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive matters.
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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Education/Experience:
Experience negotiating and drafting documents reflecting complex transactions.
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.
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Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :
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.
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SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.
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Background Check
This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.
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To view full job description and submit an on-line application visit UC Davis Career Opportunities at:
