DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL

Description

Why join GBRA?

· Competitive salary

· Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance at no cost to employee

· Texas County & District Retirement system matched 2:1 at retirement

· Vacation and sick leave

· Paid Holidays

· 100% company-paid training

· License incentive program

· Educational assistance program

· Safety boot program

· Employee wellness program with gym reimbursement

· Employee recognition events

· Exclusive employee perks & discounts

FLSA STATUS:  Exempt

PAY RANGE: $125,861.00 - $209,769.00

REPORTS TO:  General Counsel

WORK LOCATION:  2225 E. Common Street, New Braunfels, Texas 78130

SUMMARY

This position serves as Deputy General Counsel under the direct supervision of the General Counsel, and as the senior staff attorney of the legal team. Work involves reviewing and preparing legal documents for office practice and litigation, researching and interpreting laws, advising GBRA management and staff on legal matters as assigned, and participating in administrative and court proceedings as assigned. Assists General Counsel in management of office workflow and assignments. This position may require some supervision of attorneys and support staff and participation in performance evaluations for support staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Serves as General Counsel during the absence of the incumbent.
• Assists General Counsel as legal advisor to the General Manager/CEO, Board of Directors, Executive Management and serves as a resource on legal matters including legislative matters, transactional contracts, public finance, litigation, regulatory compliance, real estate, open records and open meetings, employment law, and GBRA policies and procedures.
• Serves as member of the General Counsel division leadership team on all legal, records management, public information, and property matters.
• Reviewing, researching, drafting, commenting on, and revising water rights agreements, water and/or wastewater service contracts, general services contracts, and other legal documents relating to GBRA operations.
• Reviewing, researching, drafting, commenting on, and revising real property and other property agreements, and other legal documents relating to GBRA operations.
• Reviewing, researching, drafting, commenting on, and revising construction law contracts, and other legal documents relating to GBRA operations.
• Reviewing documents and advising GBRA management and staff on matters relating to Public Information Act requests.
• Representing GBRA in administrative and court proceedings as assigned.
• Advising GBRA management and staff on issues relating to Open Meetings and Public Information.
• Reviewing, drafting, commenting on, and revising water rights agreements, water and/or sewer service contracts, general services contracts, and other legal documents relating to GBRA operations.
• Reviewing and being familiar with statutes, court opinions, regulations and other laws affecting GBRA operations and administration.
• Researching and reviewing applicable law and advising GBRA board members, management, and staff on legal issues as assigned.
• Assisting with GBRA’s interactions and negotiations with state and federal officials, private entities, and customer representatives concerning GBRA’s water resources and utility operations as assigned.
• Keep General Counsel and other supervisory personnel apprised of, and up to date on, all work-related assignments.
• Coordinates and contributes to the management of outside counsel. 
• Perform other work as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, statutes and regulations as they pertain to areas of discipline.
• Must demonstrate proficient knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings. 
• Must demonstrate strong organizational skills. 
• Must demonstrate ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Directors, Executive Management Team, GBRA management and staff, existing and potential customers of GBRA, and community representatives.
• Must demonstrate a willingness and ability to take direction and conform to GBRA policy and practices, but also demonstrate ability as a self-starter, self-organized, person who demonstrates maturity of judgment and discretion.
• Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must demonstrate skill interpreting applicable federal and state laws; skill in organizing material into manageable form; skill in applying data collected to resolve problems; skill in formulating recommendations, proposals and counter proposals; skill in preparing and presenting effective written and oral reports and recommendations. 
• Familiarity with law and practice relating to any of the following subjects:

               º Texas surface water and groundwater rights

               º Texas regulation of surface water and groundwater use

               º Safe drinking water regulations, including applicable Texas laws

               º Water Quality/Wastewater regulations, including applicable Texas laws

               º Texas Regulation of water and sewer utilities (CCNs, rates)

               º Texas Civil Trial Practice (including civil procedure, civil evidence, and  appellate procedure)

               º Texas Administrative Procedure and Administrative Law

               º The Texas Public Information Ac

               º The Texas Open Meetings Act

               º Requirements for procurement of goods and services by Texas Local  Governmental Entities

               º Construction Law 

               º Employment and Human Resources Law and related procedure

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS 

• Combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities will be considered. 
• A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• License to practice law in the State of Texas.

Registrations and Licenses:

• Valid Texas Driver’s License with acceptable MVR.
• A valid and current license to practice law in the State of Texas.
• Must be in good standing with the Texas State Bar and current with Texas Continuing Legal Education Requirements (must keep current during term of employment).

EXPERIENCE

• At least eight years’ experience as a licensed practicing attorney with experience in some of the following areas: public law and public law finance issues, environmental and administrative matters, complex real estate/business transactions, utility law, water law, contract law, labor and employment related matters, corporate matters, and legislative affairs.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Yes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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. Standard physical activity such as periodic standing, walking, sitting, and basic motor skills to operate necessary computer programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary : $125,861 - $209,769