PRINCIPAL COUNSEL, GOVERNMENTAL ETHICS/CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

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

• 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.

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.
• 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.
• Relied on to represent institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:
• 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.
• 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.
• Relied on to represent institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
• 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).