CHRISTOPHER M. PATTI LEGAL FELLOWSHIP

The UC Office of the President (UCOP) is a world leader in education and research, serving a vibrant and diverse community. As the headquarters for the University of California’s 10 campuses, six academic medical centers, and three national laboratories, UCOP supports excellence in teaching, research, and public service.

About the role

The UC Legal - Office of General Counsel (OGC), in partnership with Berkeley Law, offers a two-year full-time fellowship (commencing September 2027) to a recent Berkeley Law graduate interested in public service. The Christopher M. Patti Legal Fellowship honors Berkeley’s former Chief Campus Counsel, known for his integrity, constitutional law expertise, and dedication to the University. The fellowship provides hands-on experience across a broad spectrum of legal issues facing public and nonprofit entities, including constitutional law, contracts, employment, free speech, governance, intellectual property, and more.

The Fellow will work under the supervision of OGC attorneys, conducting legal research, drafting documents, attending client meetings and hearings, and engaging in activities that expose them to the practice of law within OGC’s specialties. The role includes opportunities to work at both OGC and the UC Berkeley Office of Legal Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Client Service (60%)
  • Learn collaborative and consultative practices to build relationships with internal (local and systemwide) and external constituencies (e.g., government agencies, outside counsel).
  • Provide counsel to UC clients on standard to moderately complex legal matters.
  • Utilize best-practice research methods and communicate advice effectively in writing and verbally.
• Issue Management (20%)
  • Assess and manage priorities effectively.
  • Consult with supervisors to develop and present alternative approaches for addressing legal issues, including risk analysis.
• Administrative, Records & Compliance (10%)
  • Ensure accurate record-keeping in compliance with UC Legal data quality protocols.
  • Comply with delegations of authority for committing University funds.
• Leadership & Principles of Community (10%)
  • Uphold UC Legal’s values: collaboration, support, respect for differences, and commitment to fairness.
  • Learn to provide clear expectations and mentor legal support staff to meet productivity and accuracy standards.

Requirements

• Interest in pursuing a career with public or nonprofit entities, particularly in higher education or California public policy.
• Excellent academic credentials from Berkeley Law (J.D. received within the past 3 years, including 2027).
• Current or anticipated membership in good standing with the California Bar Association (exam eligibility in July 2027 or later, with prior OGC approval).
• Keen analytical skills and ability to collaborate creatively with attorneys and clients.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening, persuasive writing, and audience-appropriate presentations.
• Capacity to draft accurate legal documents (e.g., pleadings, briefs, affidavits) with mentorship.
• Commitment to confidentiality, discretion, and the highest ethical standards.
• Ability to work collegially in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Schedule

• Full-time, two-year fellowship (September 2027 start).
• On-site work required at UCOP’s Oakland office, with a minimum of two days per week (Tuesday and Wednesday as “anchor days”).
• Occasional travel (5%) for business meetings, primarily within California.

Pay

Salary range: $105,000 – $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience. The University provides a reasonable estimate of compensation based on qualifications, experience, and organizational needs.

Benefits

For details on the comprehensive benefits package, visit Benefits of Belonging.

First review date: September 1, 2026. Position open until filled.