CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL

Chief Legal Counsel

The Chief Legal Counsel is a Select Exempt Service legal position which implements the delivery of professional legal services to the region pursuant to the policies, procedures and standards established. The incumbent in this position reports directly to the Deputy General Counsel and is responsible for hiring, advising, and supervising legal counsel for the region. This position requires extensive knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations, and rules of procedure. This is advanced professional work supervising and directing employees. The primary duty of the incumbent in this position is to spend the majority of their time communicating with, motivating, training and evaluating employees, planning and directing their work; and having the authority to effectively recommend actions such as: hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, promote, discharge, assign, and reward or discipline direct reports. Evaluates employees against established standards and takes appropriate actions when necessary (i.e. recognition, reward, corrective action, etc.). The Chief Legal Counsel directs, plans, manages, implements, operates, and supervises the regional Office of the General Counsel. The Chief Legal Counsel advises regional leadership, as well as all region staff, about legal and policy decisions which affect the day-to-day activities of the region. This responsibility includes attending meetings as well as providing counseling and advice to staff concerning the legal ramifications of potential and pending litigation legislation, policy decision, court decision, and department legal opinions of statewide importance. The Chief Legal Counsel, through its staff, implements the legal opinions and policies established and issued by the Department's General Counsel. The Chief Legal Counsel collaborates with the Department's Office of Human Resources to ensure consistent and legally compliant employment practices and procedures in accordance with governing laws and agency standards. Serves as principal legal counsel in region operations involving participation in region policy as a member of the region executive management team and planning, organizing and directing the implementation of legal functions in the region. Serves as a member of the Department's statewide litigation management team to provide maximum collaboration between the Department's General Counsel and the region and coordinating strategies in all statewide lawsuits. Advises General Counsel of legal issues and litigation threats in the region and advises General Counsel of issues or needed statutory changes. Represents the Department in legal matters. At the region level, implements statewide policies enunciated by the General Counsel or the Secretary. Supervises or provides oversight and administrative assistance for all litigation functions relating to representing the region in state and federal court. Other duties as assigned.