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. 

The Principal Counsel serves as the University's lead advisor on governmental ethics and conflict-of-interest laws, including the California Political Reform Act, Government Code 1090, and the Public Contracting Code. This role advises Regents, senior leadership, and affiliated entities on matters such as Form 700 filings, gifts, travel, lobbying, outside activities, and governance issues. The Principal Counsel independently manages complex, high-impact legal matters, provides practical and compliant solutions to achieve University objectives, and supports additional areas including governance, public accountability, and Academic Senate faculty discipline matters.

Responsibilities:

Core Legal Services (90%)

• Advises University leadership, the Board of Regents, and affiliated entities on conflict-of-interest, ethics, and governance matters, including compliance with the Political Reform Act. 
• Serves as a strategic legal partner by providing practical solutions, handling complex and high-impact legal issues, negotiating on behalf of The Regents, and managing outside counsel as needed. 
• Develops policies and procedures, mentors attorneys, delivers training, builds key stakeholder relationships, and monitors legal and regulatory developments affecting University operations.

Leadership (10%)

Effectively delegates work, mentors legal support staff, ensures compliance with University spending authorities, and provides guidance to attorneys in the area of expertise.

Required 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 advise senior leaders on complex, high-impact legal and policy issues.
• Deep expertise in complex legal matters, with strong judgment in ambiguous situations.
• Advanced legal research, writing, and analysis skills, including monitoring legislative and regulatory changes.
• Strong project management, policy development, and change management abilities.
• Proven collaboration, strategic thinking, mentoring, and leadership skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to represent institutional interests effectively while maintaining confidentiality, discretion, and the highest ethical standards.
• Strong decision-making skills and the ability to earn credibility and trust across diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience advising on conflict-of-interest laws and policies in a university or public-sector environment.
• Knowledge of the California Political Reform Act, related regulations, and FPPC guidance.
• Experience working with or interacting with government regulatory agencies, such as the FPPC.

Education:

• Advanced degree in a related area required.

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.

Location: Oakland, CA. UCOP - Franklin Building.

Annual salary range with benefits: $235,000 - $272,000. 

Go HERE to view the full job description and submit your application.