Pending Board Approval: Deputy General Counsel

Overview

The Legal & Compliance Services department is seeking a Deputy General Counsel. This position provides comprehensive legal representation and counsel to the Board of Directors, General Manager, department leaders, managers, and other officials in matters related to their official duties. Participates in the development and execution of organizational goals, policies, priorities, and strategic initiatives. Oversees attorneys and professional staff within the Office of General Counsel, ensuring effective management of legal operations.

Interprets and applies relevant laws, regulations, and ordinances to support sound decision-making across Clean Water Services (CWS). The Deputy may serve as acting General Counsel in the General Counsel’s absence, assuming full authority and responsibility for the office during that time.

Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.

This position is currently pending board approval due to a redesignation of the position from Senior Assistant General Counsel to Deputy General Counsel. (The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

• Provides or supports the General Counsel in representing CWS in all civil matters, including prosecuting, defending, and appealing legal actions, suits, and related proceedings. Prepares and presents cases in trials and hearings; evaluates and negotiates out-of-court settlements; represents CWS in court as well as before administrative and regulatory tribunals.
• Serves as legal counsel in the General Counsel’s absence. Advises the Board of Directors, General Manager, leadership, managers, staff, and committees on legal rights, responsibilities, and emerging issues. Attends public meetings and work sessions and approves the legal form of Board ordinances, orders, and actions.
• Assists with developing and implementing policies, procedures, goals, and annual work plans for the Office of General Counsel. Coordinates legal services and initiatives with other departments and governmental agencies.
• Provides legal guidance to CWS departments on operational, policy-related, and politically sensitive issues. Interprets applicable federal, state, and local legislation, statutes, rules, and regulations. Evaluates proposed policy or procedural changes and provides recommendations. Represents CWS before state and federal administrative agencies.
• Conducts and directs legal research and analysis, preparing legal opinions, memoranda, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, and other legal documents. Reviews court decisions and pending legislation and assists in developing legal strategies. Coordinates with external counsel as needed.
• Negotiates real property documents, intergovernmental agreements, contracts, and other legal instruments, ensuring terms protect CWS interests and comply with applicable laws, policies, and strategic objectives.
• Oversees the drafting, review, revision, and approval of legal and administrative documents, including Board memos, easements, encroachment agreements, construction permit agreements, permits of entry, grants, contract templates, legal opinions, resolutions, ordinances, and contracts.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable laws and regulatory requirements and implements internal processes and practices to ensure organizational compliance.
• Assists in developing the annual and supplemental budgets for the Office of General Counsel, with delegated authority to prepare the training and research budgets. May present budget proposals to the Budget Committee and the Board of Directors. Monitors departmental expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets and fiscal policies.
• Manages the work of technical, professional and/or supervisory staff. Oversees employee development and performance including selection and training; preparation of performance…