STAFF ATTORNEY

Staff AttorneyUnder limited direction, provides legal advice, service, and representation on legal issues concerning the rights, obligations, and privileges of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB), with particular focus upon procurement, contracts, and real estate-related issues. Assists the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer (CLO) as legal counsel to BPUB Board of Directors, Executive Management, and staff.Supervises, selects, develops, trains, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff. May assume the duties and responsibilities in the absence of the General Counsel & CLO. Provides legal review and advice concerning purchasing, procurement, contracts, and real estate-related issues, claims, and legal documents to BPUB Board and staff. Attends BPUB Board meetings as appropriate to address issues. Advocates on behalf of BPUB in a wide variety of settings, including negotiations, dispute resolutions, mediations, trials, hearings, and administrative processes to resolve legal disputes or legal actions. May serve as liaison between outside legal counsel and BPUB departments for legal matters under her/his purview. Provides analysis and recommendations on the legal risks and strategies associated with disputes and settlements. Supervises and directs BPUB's contract coordinator(s) and prepares, drafts, reviews, revises, and approves resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents. Assists General Counsel & CLO in litigation matters and/or other legal strategies with the overall business objectives of the BPUB. May be required to conduct or participate in legal proceedings and other complex legal transactions. Assists in other issues presented in the operation and administration of a municipally owned utility as may be assigned.Knowledge of State, Federal and common law affecting BPUB. Knowledge of local law relating to the authority and functions of BPUB in relation to the City of Brownsville, Texas. Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence. Mastery of legal issues central to the success of critical business functions. Skill in reading, analyzing, interpreting, and writing legal documents. Skill in exercising judgement within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Strong interpersonal skills as they relate to corporate and legal environments. Skill in proficiently utilizing Microsoft Office programs. Ability to conduct research on legal problems and to prepare legal opinions. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing. Ability to direct and advise procurement, contracts, and real estate professionals in the conduct of transactions common to municipally owned utilities. Ability to effectively conduct presentations to executive management, public groups, and the board of directors. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, BPUB officials, and members of the general public.Law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. License to practice law in the State of Texas with five (5) years' legal experience in the practice of law as it relates to contracts, procurement, real estate, and land use law. Experience in a municipal law and/or with electric and water/wastewater utilities is preferred.Requires a valid Texas Driver License or receipt of a valid Texas Driver's License within 90 days of relocation to Texas and a safe driving record, as measured by company policy. Possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Texas and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Texas and federal courts. Must be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some physical effort may require lifting and carrying of moderately light boxes or objects. Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time without discomfort with some physical effort that may require frequent bending, lifting, standing, walking, or using a force equal to lifting up to 25 lbs.In addition to any and all other qualifications required for employment stated under the Brownsville P.U.B Personnel Policies and Procedures Policy No. 39: Prohibit the hiring of any person who is related to BPUB Executive Management within the third degree of Consanguinity or second degree by Affinity; and Based on certain prohibitions of the Charter and Statute on nepotism, no person can be hired who shall be related to any member of the Board of Directors or City Commission within the third degree of consanguinity or second degree by affinity.