University Counsel

California State University, Office of the Chancellor; Long Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 229,000 - 243,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Generous vacation plan

15 paid holidays a year

Tuition waiver education program

Job summary

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, in Long Beach, is hiring a University Counsel to serve as principal lawyer for a CSU campus or campuses. The role provides full-spectrum legal advice, partners with litigation counsel, and handles systemwide matters while developing expertise in designated areas.

Required are admission to the California State Bar, graduation from an ABA-accredited law school, and a minimum of five years of practice, with strong verbal and written

Qualifications

• Admission to the California State Bar.
• Minimum of five years of practice.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and implement strategies for complex university legal issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide full-spectrum legal advice to campuses and systemwide matters.
• Coordinate with litigation counsel on trial and settlement strategy.
• Maintain updates to General Counsel on significant matters.
• Develop expertise in specialized subject areas and act as a campus office resource.
• Communicate with campus Presidents and key administrators; manage litigation as needed.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Strategic thinking

Travel readiness

Education

ABA accredited law school

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Chancellor's Office Statement

Join our team at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor, and make a difference in providing access to higher education. We are currently seeking experienced candidates for the position of University Counsel.

Salary

The anticipated salary hiring range is between $229,296 and $242,784 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Work Arrangements

Flexibility to telecommute two days a week, with three days on-site at the main headquarters in Long Beach, California. The incumbent is required to work in-person on certain dates at management’s discretion.

Premium Benefits

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Generous vacation plan
• 15 paid holidays a year
• Tuition waiver education program (also applies to eligible family members)
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

Classification

Administrator III

Position Information

The University Counsel will be located in the headquarters office in Long Beach and assigned to a CSU campus or campuses to serve as the principal lawyer for that campus or campuses. In addition to campus responsibilities, the University Counsel will have responsibility for various systemwide matters and will be responsible to serve as a subject matter expert in one or more areas of law.

Responsibilities

• Communicate directly with clients, supervisors, and colleagues in the Office of General Counsel.
• Provide full-spectrum legal advice to one or more assigned campuses. Work with litigation counsel to determine the overall trial and settlement strategy for litigated cases impacting the counsel's assigned campuses.
• Provide timely updates to the General Counsel on all significant matters.
• Acquire and maintain expertise in specialized subject areas to serve as an office resource.
• Provide and coordinate legal services to assigned campuses and give advice, coordinate with others with expertise, handle administrative hearing and manage litigation. The University Counsel is expected to develop and maintain good communication with their campus Presidents and other key administrators and a good understanding of the politics and priorities unique to their campuses.
• The University Counsel will be assigned to an office practice team and will assume responsibility for assignments within that team function. May also be assigned responsibility to develop expertise in substantive legal areas.
• Expected to contribute to the mission of the office and will from time to time be asked to assume responsibilities outside of their principal functions.

Qualifications

• Admission to the California State Bar; graduation from an ABA accredited law school.
• Minimum of five years of practice.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and implement effective strategies for handling complex University legal issues.
• Statewide travel will be required.

Application Period

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by October 29, 2026.

E-Verify

This position requires new hire employment verification to be processed through the E-Verify program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHSUSCIS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If hired, you will be required to furnish proof that you are legally authorized to work in the United States. The CSU Chancellor’s Office is not a sponsoring agency for staff and Management positions (i.e., H1-B VISAS).

Equal Employment Opportunity

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the CSU provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager at [phone].

Title IX

Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all Chancellor’s Office employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

Mandated Reporter Per CANRA

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Conflict of Interest

The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest when they first occupy the position, and on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.

CSU Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Office of the Chancellor, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Background

The Chancellor's Office policy requires that the selected candidate successfully complete a full background check (including a criminal records check) prior to assuming this position.