in-house legal counsel san diego

highly motivated and experienced in-house legal counsel for SANDAG. The General Counsel will plan, direct, manage, and oversee the activities and operations of the Office of General Counsel; coordinate assigned services and activities with other SANDAG departments, Policy Advisory Committees, member agencies, and outside organizations; and provide highly responsible and complex support to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Overview of Office of General Counsel

Working in close collaboration with members of the Executive Office, and employees throughout the organization, the Office of General Counsel has a reputation for providing outstanding legal advice and partnering on projects and initiatives that contribute to the overall success of the agency. SANDAG functions in a complex environment and the Legal team is known for being innovative and proactive in facilitating decisions that support achievement of the agencys goals.

Job Responsibilities

• Assumes full responsibility and leadership for a team of employees in the Office of General Counsel.
• Articulates goals for the Office of General Counsel and leads staff to accomplish agency priorities.
• Manages the responsibilities of the Office of General Counsel, including providing direction, coaching and feedback, selecting personnel, overseeing and evaluating the work of legal staff, and preparation of a budget.
• Serves the organization by providing legal expertise to the CEO, Executive Team, staff, and the Office of the Independent Performance Auditor, on all legal matters unless the matter is specially assigned by the Board of Directors or Board Leadership to any consultant that may be serving as Board Legal Counsel.
• Responds to complex legal questions that arise from board members or staff related to agenda items not previously assigned to any person serving as the Board Legal Counsel.
• Represents SANDAG in legal matters as assigned by the CEO and handles transactional matters and potential or actual litigation with in-house attorneys or by procuring and overseeing outside counsel.
• Ensures timely responses to and oversight of Public Records Requests.
• Reviews, develops, and negotiates contract documents on behalf of the agency; responsible for approving all contract documents described in Board Policy Nos. 008 and 016.
• Serves as in-house counsel for public finance transactions and assists with agency risk management, internal controls, and implementation of audit responses and recommendations.
• Coordinates with and briefs any consultant serving as Board Legal Counsel as directed by the CEO and the Board of Directors; evaluates information gleaned by attorneys in the Office of General Counsel and shares it with the Board Legal Counsel to assist the Board Legal Counsel with staying apprised of legal matters within the purview of the Board Legal Counsels role.
• Assists in developing and providing advice on administration of SANDAG policies, procedures, and business practices.
• Performs reasonably related duties within the scope of the classification and as a member of the Executive Team as assigned. Defers to the legal opinion of any consultant serving as Board Legal Counsel during public meetings assigned to Board Legal Counsel by contract, unless the opinion of Board Legal Counsel is clearly in conflict with the law.
• In the event Board Legal Counsel and the General Counsel offer differing legal opinions, interpretations, or recommendations concerning applicable laws or regulations, ensures that both positions are clearly articulated and presented to the full Board, or designated committee thereof, for deliberation and final determination by the Board.

Typical Qualifications

• Ten years of increasingly responsible, professional experience in municipal, transportation, environmental, or land use law, including four years of supervisory and management experience.
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in public or business administration, political science, or a related field.
• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school is required.
• Status as a member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and administering goals, objectives, and procedures to deliver effective and efficient legal programs and services.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative staff; including delegating authority and responsibility.
• Ability to select and supervise staff; provide training and development opportunities; ensure work is performed effectively; and evaluate performance in an objective and constructive manner.
• Experience negotiating with various stakeholders to resolve disputes and achieve successful outcomes.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations relevant to SANDAG programs, projects, and activities.
• Experience preparing and administering large and complex budgets; and allocating limited resources in a cost-effective manner.