Senior Principal Counsel

UCSF Health, AG; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF Health, AG seeks a Senior Principal Counsel who is an expert in employment and labor law, with leadership across public, academic, and healthcare employers. You will oversee pre‑litigation and litigation, handle complex matters in state and federal courts, and advise on agency investigations and regulatory proceedings.

You will collaborate with UCSF Office of Legal Affairs and outside counsel to shape policies and provide strategic, high‑impact guidance to senior leadership across the

Qualifications

• Must possess a J.D. from an accredited law school or equivalent.
• 10+ years of directly related work experience.
• Must be a member in good standing of a United States state bar.
• CA State Bar License in good standing; out‑of‑state hires must pass the California Bar Exam within 18 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversees employment, pre‑litigation, and litigation matters in state and federal courts.
• Advises on agency investigations, regulatory proceedings, and PERB matters.
• Provides expert guidance within UCSF/UCSF Health on labor and employment law across complex matters.
• Mentors attorneys and collaborates with UCSF Office of Legal Affairs and external counsel.

Skills

Collaboration

Strategic thinking

Communication

Negotiation

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

CA State Bar license in good standing

Job description

Description & Requirements

Job Description

The Senior Principal Counsel is a recognized expert and leader in employment and labor law and its application to public, academic, and/or healthcare employers; may be recognized in California, on a national or international basis.

Oversees employment and pre‑litigation and litigation matters, practices in state and federal courts. Direct experience with the CA Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) is preferred. Responds to and advises on agency investigations, regulatory proceedings, and hearings. Participates in emergency operations. Oversees general liability litigation.

Provides substantial expertise within UCSF and UCSF Health on labor, employment, and related legal matters. Relevant experience in a law firm and/or as in‑house counsel in higher education, healthcare, government, or corporations. Independently handles and/or represents UCSF's interests in a full range of legal matters and projects, including pre‑litigation, complex litigation, regulatory proceedings, employment‑related transactions (e.g., employment agreements, offer letters, separation and settlement agreements), and initiatives with substantial importance and impact. Interprets complex facts and law in highly ambiguous contexts.

Experience advising higher education, healthcare, government or corporations on different employment issues including, but not limited to, international activities, exposure and risk assessment as to all employment matters, including harassment, discrimination, and retaliation; advising on accommodation for disabilities and religion; workers' compensation as it relates to disability laws; housing; immigration; free speech in the workplace; privacy; public records acts; conflicts of commitment and financial interests; accessibility laws; whistleblower laws; among others.

Advises on issues related to confidential services of Ombuds and the faculty and staff assistance program. Advises on artificial intelligence use. May also advise on student and faculty matters.

Provides functional advice, training, and/or guidance to less‑experienced attorneys. Collaborates with colleagues in UCSF Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) and throughout UC Legal to achieve UCSF and systemwide objectives. Acts as a liaison with outside counsel, and/or represents the University in litigation of the highest complexity or consequence. May lead projects or changes in policy with a broad impact across the organization. May direct programs with organization‑wide impact that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources. Significant barriers to entry exist at this level. May contribute to UC Legal's repository of scholarly and/or pedagogic publications through the development of templates, white papers, precedents, litigation briefings/advisories, etc. Has substantial experience interfacing with key senior clients and constituents. Demonstrates excellent judgment.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Must possess a J.D. from an accredited law school or equivalent.
• 10+ years of directly related work experience.
• Must be a member in good standing of a United States state bar. (Out-of-state hire would be afforded time to pass the Bar within a reasonable period.)
• CA State Bar License in good standing. (Out-of-state hires must pass the California Bar Exam within one year of hire and be admitted within 18 months of hire.)
• Relevant practice experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity.
• Expert ability in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
• Trusted partner with senior management and a diverse spectrum of clients.
• Expert understanding of highly complex legal issues and ability to foresee implications in specialty areas, even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade, and educate. Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, including senior leaders.
• Outstanding written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular audience.
• Outstanding research skills; ability to readily identify critical legislative changes in area of specialty.
• Outstanding ability to establish strategic solutions at the macro level; to influence key stakeholders in alignment with mission.
• Expert ability in consulting, relationship building, and strategic thinking skills.
• Thorough knowledge of the organizational environment of higher education and large research universities to understand client priorities, issues, motivations and constraints.
• Ability to represent institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach all levels of staff; provide for succession planning in area of specialty.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Expertise in employment law, including disability discrimination, Title IX, Title VI, and Title VII.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current CA State Bar License in good standing at time of application.
• 6+ years of legal practice as a member of UC Legal.
• Experience in multiple practice areas or experience collaborating and working with others across multiple practice areas.
• Relevant practice experience specifically advising academic medical centers, hospitals, health systems, and/or medical groups.