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 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 - Office of the General Counsel (UCL - OGC) provides legal services to the Office of the President and other senior University of California administrators over a broad range of legal matters affecting the University's real property interests throughout the University's ten campuses, five medical centers, and additional University owned or managed properties. The incumbent uses their substantial real estate, housing, and development experience, including drafting and negotiating complex leases, purchase and sales agreements, and development agreements, and has experience with public-private partnerships as integrated project delivery methods.

Position Summary
Principal Counsel must have sufficient understanding of real property laws that govern transactions for major commercial, mixed-use and residential projects, development, acquisitions, sales, ground leases, space leases, licenses, common interest developments, and financing, as well as significant experience in drafting and negotiating related real estate documents. Experience with public-private partnerships and ground lease development structures is highly preferred. Experience with innovation communities, student and workforce housing, conservation land, incubators, laboratory, and scientific, research, and medical facilities is also highly preferred. Experience with public contracting, prevailing wage laws, condominiums and vertical subdivisions, property taxes and exemptions, anti-kickback and Stark compliance in medical facilities, lease-leaseback arrangements, donor developments, and ground leases is also highly preferred. A working knowledge of public finance transactions, particularly revenue bond financings, and some experience with other forms of debt and hedging instruments is desirable. Familiarity with renewable energy, decarbonization, energy efficiency and sustainability concepts is also desired.

Key Responsibilities

• 45% Provides substantial high-quality, timely and solution-oriented expertise on real estate matters and independently handles a full range of legal issues and projects, including the highest complexity and that of significant importance and impact to the University. Interprets laws and policies in complex areas of moderate to high ambiguity. Recognizes strategic needs of the organization and proactively builds relationships with appropriate stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes. Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units, providing practical advice and alternative solutions to legal and business issues. Establishes legal and compliance policies and procedures that meet applicable regulatory requirements, and tests the operative effectiveness of those policies and procedures. Advises and renders opinions to the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel, and other senior leaders concerning the legal implications of establishing or changing policy. Advises officers and senior managers of corporate governance and legal responsibilities. Works with colleagues at the Office of the President or campus/medical center locations to develop and modify practices and procedures to conform with legal and internal policy requirements.
• 45% Provides legal counsel for complex real estate transactions and development projects. Independently advises, negotiates, and drafts agreements on various real estate transactions, including complex leases, purchase and sales agreements, development agreements, licenses, easements, and other ancillary agreements. Coordinates with individual UC campuses on student housing, incubator or other research-related projects, office and commercial leases, and campus infrastructure projects. Conducts training as needed. Plans and assists with due diligence and title investigations and manages deal processes and execution. May act as liaison with outside counsel on significant, long-term matters.
• 5% Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies. Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to establish a strong commitment to teamwork and meet expected productivity and accuracy levels. Ensures accurate record-keeping in compliance with data quality protocols. Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.
• 5% Practices UC Legal's established Values for Principles of Community: collaborative, supportive, respectful of differences, and committed to fairness and diversity in all interactions, both within and outside the team. Supports UC Legal's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Actively participates in UC Legal's mission-driven initiatives.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in a law firm and/or as in-house counsel required.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Must have proven transactional experience.
• Significant experience with legal aspects of real estate, housing, and development transactions, including drafting and negotiating complex leases, purchase and sales agreements, and development agreements.
• Proven team player skills with a positive attitude and advanced interpersonal communication skills, including a proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade, and educate.
• A trusted partner with senior management and a diverse spectrum of clients.
• In-depth understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty areas even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Proven ability to identify, explain and balance business and legal risks.
• Excellent judgment, drafting, negotiating, written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.
• Proven skills in gaining trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients.
• Proven ability to understand the client’s business needs and environment to facilitate creative and strategic solutions is a critical skill for this position.
• Advanced research skills; ability to readily identify critical legislative changes in the area of specialty.
• In-depth decision-making ability, even when unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.
• Advanced skills in project management and facilitating policy review and changes.
• Demonstrated interest in learning new legal disciplines, and the legal and business talent to deploy new knowledge areas accurately and efficiently.
• Keeps informed on changing legislation and case law developments affecting overall operations of the University as they relate to the area of specialty.
• Strong coaching and leadership skills to provide clear expectations, guidance, and performance to legal support staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with public-private partnerships and ground lease development structures is highly preferred.
• Experience with innovation communities, student and workforce housing, conservation land, incubators, laboratory, scientific, research, and medical facilities is also highly preferred.
• Experience with public contracting, prevailing wage laws, condominiums and vertical subdivisions, property taxes and exemptions, anti-kickback and Stark compliance in medical facilities, lease-leaseback arrangements, donor developments, and ground leases is also highly preferred. A working knowledge of public finance transactions, particularly revenue bond financings, and some experience with other forms of debt and hedging instruments, is desirable.
• Familiarity with renewable energy, decarbonization, energy efficiency and sustainability concepts is also desired.
• Previous experience advising public agencies and/or experience with regulatory, administrative, or policy-making bodies is also desirable.

Education

• Advanced degree in a related area required.

• J.D. from an accredited law school preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar. (Out-of-state hire would be afforded time to pass the Bar within a reasonable period.)

Job Title: Counsel 4
Job Code: 000201
Salary Grade: Grade 29
Payscale: $211,000 - $247,000
Full Salary Range: $158,400 - $320,200

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. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

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

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 a week on Tuesdays 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.

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 May 31, 2023.  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.

 Apply Here:https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucop/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=19&JobOpeningId=52929&PostingSeq=1&