Managing Counsel, Risk Litigation

Position Summary

Manages Risk Litigation practice areas relating to the University’s self-insured liability programs (Employment Practices Liability (EPL), General Liability (GL), and Professional Medical and Hospital Liability (PMHL)), including supervising team of in-house litigators and providing direct client service. Serves as a resource to subordinates on highly complex legal matters or problems involving the Risk Litigation practice areas; advises and renders opinions to senior management with respect to the legal implications of establishing or changing policy;

works with representatives of the campus on developing and modifying practices and procedures to conform with legal requirements. Acts as liaison with outside legal firms and oversees retention of legal counsel, including via law firm panels. Exercises settlement authority pursuant to delegated authority. Represents the organization and oversees outside counsel in certain litigation. Keeps informed on legislation and case law developments affecting overall operations of the University or the Risk Litigation legal practice areas.

Manages Fiat Lux captive insurance relationship for UC Legal in coordination with the Office of Risk Services (OPRS). Expert in related insurance and insurance coverage issues.

Client Service (50%)

• Understand that UC is a large, complex organization with many internal and external clients. Carry out UC’s organizational philosophy to provide the best possible services in support of its mission: teaching, research and public service.
• Determine whether a program or activity impedes or advances the University’s goals.
• Manage litigation through direct legal services and outside counsel.
• Serve directly as legal specialist in Oakland or generalist at the campus and be relied upon for high quality, timely, relevant, and solution-oriented counsel including research, writing, advice and advocacy.
• Serve as a trusted strategic partner with University business units, providing practical advice and alternative solutions to business issues.
• May directly negotiate matters on behalf of The Regents.
• Demonstrate and promote appropriate risk tolerance.
• Prioritize objectives and ensure service according to those priorities.
• Manages Fiat Lux captive insurance relationship for UC Legal in coordination with OPRS. Expert in related insurance and insurance coverage issues.

Leadership, Accountability, and Governance (35%)

• Provide an environment of individual growth and career development, recognizing and utilizing skills of others through clear, specific and timely performance feedback; recruit, mentor and retain talented managers and employees; provide effective coaching, delegate effectively and reward superior performance.
• Demonstrate execution of goals and objectives that support the overall success of the strategic objectives of the organization, both locally and Systemwide. These goals and objectives will include compliance with applicable regulatory and university requirements.
• Adhere to University principles of transparency and openness in working with all constituents.
• Manage OGC attorneys to achieve high quality work products from each individual and meet departmental service expectations.
• Develop clear, written performance goals and objectives annually for direct reports and contribute to the development of same for all members of the legal staff.
• Provide oral feedback to direct reports regarding progress toward goals and objectives throughout the performance review cycle.
• Provide opportunities for growth on the part of direct reports and other members of the legal staff.
• Provide coaching, counseling and corrective action plans as needed.
• Provide recommendations for the merit, equity, retention and award process (evaluation and monetary remuneration) with integrity.
• Achieve operational competency and consistent administration of personnel policies and departmental work rules for those individuals reporting to this position.
• Provide proactive and consistent contributions and leadership for OGC projects and initiatives.
• Ensure that direct reports provide meaningful contributions to OGC initiatives.
• Monitor workload…