"SENIOR COUNSEL, DATA PROTECTION AND PROCUREMENT"

Position Summary

Reporting to the Managing Counsel, Health Affairs, Privacy, and Data Protection, the Senior Counsel advises UC Health, Office of the President, Faculty Senate, and campuses and Office of the President stakeholders on a broad range of cybersecurity, technology, procurement, privacy, and data protection matters. Provides legal support on UC Health procurement matters, as well as procurement matters pertaining to data privacy and data protection throughout the UC system. Provides legal support on cybersecurity/privacy incidents throughout the UC system and provides advice as needed to campus- and health-system based researchers, attorneys, compliance officers, research administrators, and other stakeholders on cybersecurity and technology matters; and provides legal support to UC CIOs and CISOs working on systemwide technology initiatives. By practicing UC Legal's established Values for Principles of Community, all team members are expected to promote and maintain a workplace that is collaborative, supportive, respectful of differences, and committed to fairness in all interactions, both within and outside the team.

Key Responsibilities

90% Client Service

• Advises on a broad range of contracts relating to procurement, including health procurement; cybersecurity; technology; privacy; and data protection.
• Advises on data security and privacy incidents.
• Advises on deployment and use of innovative technology throughout the University and by vendors.
• Advises University leaders with respect to the legal implications of establishing or changing policy.
• Understands the diverse needs and interests of various stakeholder groups; creates and fosters an environment to ensure collegiality and information sharing.
• Serves as a trusted strategic partner with University business units, providing practical advice.
• Interprets complex facts and the law in areas of high ambiguity. Contributes towards the success of initiatives by providing practical legal services and deliverables in a timely manner.
• Works with colleagues at the Office of the President or campus / medical center locations to develop and modify practices and procedures to conform with changing legal requirements. Keeps informed of changing legislation and case law developments affecting overall operations of the University as they relate to the area of responsibility.
• Directly negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents. May act as a liaison with outside counsel.

10% Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Independently and with minimal or no supervision advises clients across UC campuses, UC Health and the medical centers on critical issues including, but not limited to, procurement for UC Health, cybersecurity and privacy incident response and prevention.
• Works effectively to contain expenditures on legal services delivered by or through outside counsel.
• Anticipates and proactively addresses challenges arising from the diverse roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders.
• Handles all work flexibly, able to effectively juggle competing priorities and demands in an extremely busy practice.

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a law firm, academic healthcare setting, or in-house for an academic institution, corporation, or other entity required.

Skills and Abilities

Required Qualifications

• Understanding of applicable privacy, security and other laws, industry practices, and enforcement trends and strategies to manage the related risks.
• Experience in contract negotiation, particularly with respect to terms relating to cybersecurity, privacy, artificial intelligence, and/or procurement.
• Proven abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
• Trusted partner with senior management and a diverse spectrum of clients.
• Thorough understanding of complex legal issues within areas of the role and ability to foresee implications in a University setting, even when ambiguous or hidden.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, including proven ability to actively listen, negotiate, persuade, and educate and ability to discuss legal concepts with IT professionals and technical concepts with those without an IT background.
• Skills to gain trust and build credibility with a broad group of colleagues and clients, to include senior leaders.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to create and deliver effective materials and/or presentations appropriate to a particular legal audience.
• In-depth research skills to draft accurate and complete legal documents.
• Proven decision-making ability, even when unpopular, earning credibility and support from colleagues.
• Relied on to represent institutional concerns persuasively to internal and external parties.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in advising on competitive bidding.
• Experience dealing with significant data breaches including investigation, remediation and notification.
• Experience with cybersecurity risk assessments and preparedness exercises.
• Ability to research legislation and readily identify critical changes.
• Skills in project management and facilitating policy review and changes.

Education

Advanced degree in related area required

Licenses and Certifications

Must be in good standing in the California State Bar or admitted within one year of employment. CURRENT ADMISSION IS STRONGLY PREFERRED. California's Registered In-House Counsel program is NOT available to University of California attorneys.

Salary and Benefits

Job Title: Counsel 3
Job Code: 000202
Salary Grade: Grade 27
Payscale: $185,000 - $210,000 annual, commensurate with experience

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

How to Apply

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The first review date for this job is January 5, 2026. The position will be open until filled.