Overview: The General Counsel will serve as the principal legal advisor for the university, with overall responsibility for the vision and leadership of the university’s legal strategy. Reporting to the President, the General Counsel will provide legal advice and counsel to the President, Board of Regents, and other members of the university community on all legal and other significant matters affecting the University and its stakeholders. The General Counsel will serve as a key thought leader and strategic advisor within the community and will be a valued member of the senior leadership team. The General Counsel will be expected to thrive in a fast-paced, highly entrepreneurial environment and will be an energetic, creative, and solutions-oriented leader. The successful candidate will simultaneously minimize risk for the institution, while working in conjunction with peers and colleagues to propel Pacific forward during a time of growth and excitement. This is an excellent opportunity to join an outstanding, mission-driven, California institution that is at an exciting juncture with new leadership and tremendous growth potential.
University: University of the Pacific is a comprehensive national university located in northern California, with campuses in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco. Established in 1851, it is California’s first and oldest university and is ranked by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education in the Top 100 nationally and the Top 20 in the West. https://www.pacific.edu/about-pacific
Experience: The successful candidate will have at least 15 years of progressively responsible legal experience, at least 5 of which are at the executive level, including significant interaction with senior leadership teams and the ability to work effectively with various constituencies. The right candidate will serve as a business enabler with a solutions-oriented approach, have exceptional leadership skills, an ability to handle multifaceted risk assessments, and have a natural ability to work in a complex, regulated environment. Experience with higher education law, and in an institution of higher education, is strongly preferred, as is a solid understanding of matters related to higher education including employment law, ADA, VAWA, FERPA, Title IX, and Clery. Familiarity with the complexities of California law is preferred as well.
Bar: Candidate must be a member in good standing of the California State Bar or eligible for admission to practice law in California as registered in-house counsel.
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