Job & Business Opportunities

Job Summary

Under direction from the District’s Board of Directors, this position performs highly responsible professional and legal work as the legal advisor to the District. Organizes, coordinates and directs the activities of the Legal Services Division.

Supervision

Supervision Received: N/A

Supervision Exercised: N/A

Distinguishing Characteristics

N/A

Essential Functions

This position is responsible for management of the District’s legal services. In addition, the incumbent, as senior legal officer of the District, is directly responsible for performing the District’s most sensitive and complex legal affairs. Serves as a member of the District’s leadership team, and participates in the creation, development and achievement of District strategy and policy. Acts as a key participant and gives advice on matters directly relating to the District’s corporate governance, business and public policy; serves as the District’s Chief Legal Counsel, and is responsible for managing the public corporation’s legal matters and litigation. Advises the District’s Board of Directors, officers and employees on a wide range of legal, business, financial, and corporate issues affecting the District’s business and government affairs; serves as Counsel to the Board of Directors during meetings and deliberations of the Board. Makes presentations before committees and to the District Board of Directors and boards of other governmental agencies concerning District programs, requirements and policies; leads and manages the staff assigned to the Legal Services Division, including hiring, training, evaluating and counseling professional, administrative, paraprofessional and administrative staff; develops and implements strategies on a wide range of topics to assist in the resolution of legal, personnel and business issues to facilitate the accomplishment of District goals. Develops preventive law strategies and corporate policy and compliance programs to help minimize litigation, third party disputes and other potential project development and implementation problems. Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of pertinent federal and state laws, regulations, rulings, interpretations and court decisions as they affect the District. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Demands

N/A

Knowledge and Abilities

Required Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil, constitutional, contract, tort, property, employment, environmental, municipal, and administrative law.


• Litigation and arbitration procedures and rules of evidence pertaining to state and federal court.


• Principles, methods, and practices of legal research.


• Labor relations and negotiations.


• Policies, operations, procedures, and functions of the District.


• Principles and methods of supervision.

• Assign, coordinate, and supervise the work of others.


• Research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal issues.


• Advise and counsel District staff.


• Draft legal documents such as ordinances, resolutions, statutes, and contracts.


• Prepare and present cogent legal arguments at trials and hearings.


• State facts, law, and legal arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.


• Effectively use and provide training in legal research methods.


• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with District staff, representatives of other governmental agencies, union officials, and the general public.

Minimum Qualifications — Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Required Prior Experience:
Seven years of broad and extensive experience as a practicing attorney, including at least three years of progressively responsible experience working for a public agency; experience working for a public transit agency is desirable.

Required Prior Education:
Juris Doctor from an accredited school of law.

Special Requirements:
Active membership in the California State Bar.