Deputy General Counsel

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.

Essential Functions

(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 recommendation. 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 appraisals, and development or improvement plans; resolves complaints and grievances; implements disciplinary actions.
• Creates and maintains a positive, engaged, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture within the department, to improve the work groups’ understanding and recognition of diversity in the workplace, and foster multidisciplinary and integrated team approaches.
• Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of Oregon public entity and government law, contracting, litigation, employment law, and labor relations
• Principles and techniques of negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution
• Principles and techniques of legal writing, and rules of evidence
• Federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, rules, and ordinances
• Civil trial and appellate procedures in state and federal courts and administrative proceedings
• Principles and practices of public administration, including budget administration and personnel management
• Legal principles, practices, and terminology
• Legal research methods
• Principles of supervision; teambuilding and coaching techniques and practices

SKILL IN:

• Providing accurate and practical legal advice
• Analyzing, interpreting, and applying complex legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to resolve legal issues
• Presenting statements of law, fact, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form to the Board, CWS leadership and staff, judges, juries, hearing officers and the public
• Drafting legal documents and providing legal opinions in response to client requests in a timely manner
• Leading staff in continuous efforts to improve quality, productivity, and overall effectiveness
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data using established legal research methods and procedures
• Selecting, supervising, training and evaluating staff

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate statements of law, fact, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form
• Incorporate team participation into decision-making processes to support collaborative, well-informed outcomes
• Prepare, manage, and administer budgets in alignment with organizational priorities and fiscal policies
• Assess claims and determine legal liability based on applicable laws, facts, and evidence
• Resolve claims efficiently and effectively through negotiated settlements or litigation, as appropriate
• Support efforts to prevent liability and defend claims to protect the CWS’ legal and financial interests
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

5 years of supervisory or managerial experience;

10 years of professional-level experience in public sector/government law;

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.

Candidates must be an active member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar Association.

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.