Job Announcement: Vice Chancellor, Legal Affairs and Chief Campus Counsel

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Office of the General Counsel of the University of California (UC) invite inquiries, applications and nominations for the position of Vice Chancellor, Legal Affairs and Chief Campus Counsel (VCLA/CCC). As chief legal counsel at UCLA, the VCLA/CCC provides legal counsel to the Chancellor and Executive Vice Chancellor/Provost (EVCP), heads UCLA’s Office of Legal Affairs, and oversees the UCLA Ombuds Office. The VCLA/CCC is responsible for a wide range of legal, regulatory, policy and governance issues that may arise, either by providing advice directly or in consultation with other UC attorneys, or by engaging the services of outside counsel. The VCLA/CCC provides advice to the Chancellor and EVCP on a wide range of legal questions associated with the administration, management and operation of the campus, including employee and labor relations, academic personnel, equal opportunity and affirmative action, real property and development of campus facilities, tort liability and insurance, patents, licenses, copyrights, intellectual property, risk management and insurance, taxes, health affairs, campus security and safety, auxiliary and service enterprises, fundraising, contracts and other legal considerations contained within or related to these broad categories. The VCLA/CCC also provides legal advice and assistance to organizations and programs affiliated with the campus on matters concerning their university relationships.

In addition to lawyering and management responsibilities, the VCLA/CCC serves as a member of the UCLA campus senior leadership team, serving as a senior advisor on institutional policy and decision-making that requires a legal perspective, and working collaboratively with — and serving as advisor and counselor to — the Chancellor, EVCP and other campus senior leaders. The VCLA/CCC similarly serves on the UC Office of the General Counsel leadership team, advising the General Counsel on the legal trends and needs of the UCLA campus and assisting the General Counsel in advocating and representing the interests of The UC Regents, working collaboratively with counsel on other campuses and in the central law office in Oakland. The VCLA/CCC also coordinates and consults with the General Counsel and provides staff assistance on the legal rights and obligations of the institution to the Chancellor, EVCP, and other academic and administrative officers of the UC. This position reports jointly to the UCLA Chancellor and EVCP administratively, and to the UC General Counsel as to the substance of legal services and advice.

The successful candidate must possess demonstrated skills and experience necessary to provide sophisticated legal advice and counsel reflecting sound judgment and offer substantive in-depth legal knowledge and expertise in areas such as contracts, equal opportunity and affirmative action, labor and employment law, health affairs, intellectual property, land use, real estate development and risk management. Given the considerable number of significant matters that pertain to the business and administrative aspects of campus operations, extensive experience in these areas is desirable. Candidates must also possess excellent communication and management skills; superior academic qualifications; the fiscal and human resources management skills necessary to lead UCLA’s Office of Legal Affairs; and an established record of advancing equity, diversity and inclusion. The particular environment of public higher education requires flexibility, creativity, judgment, integrity and comfort in dealing with a broad array of legal and policy matters. The successful candidate should be prepared to learn the extensive UC policies and procedures and demonstrate a commitment to the public mission and core values of the University, with the capability and breadth to contribute beyond the core legal function. Minimum requirements include membership in the California Bar and at least 12 years of relevant experience. University experience and knowledge of federal, state, and UC policies and procedures is preferred.

Confidential review of applications, nominations and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. Address nominations, inquiries and applications to our Isaacson, Miller consultants Katheryne Martínez, Tim McFeeley and Cati Mitchell-Crossley via the Isaacson, Miller website. To be ensured full consideration, please submit a letter of interest — including a diversity statement — and curriculum vitae by March 22, 2024.

The anticipated annual compensation range for this position is $340,000 – $410,000. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.