Senior Assistant Legal Counsel - Labor and Employment

The Legal & Compliance Services department is seeking a Senior Assistant Legal Counsel - Labor and Employment. This position provides legal support for Clean Water Services (CWS) Legal Department and primarily focuses on public entity labor and employment law and related areas, including developing and implementing programs for compliance and oversight. Performs professional legal work of considerable complexity and provides advice and counsel across the organization. Interprets and applies laws, policies and ordinances, assists in negotiating contracts, and prepares legal documents for the Legal Department.

Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.

Essential Functions

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. Clean Water Services may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

1. Collaborates with the General Counsel in conducting legal research and analysis; interprets complex legal issues and determines the appropriate course of action. Assists with developing and maintaining a framework for legal policies and practices within the office of the GC & CCO.
2. May represent CWS in administrative proceedings in the assigned subject matter area. May supervise outside counsel in litigation matters in the assigned subject matter area. May serve as a Hearing Officer on behalf of CWS.
3. Advises on labor and employment matters, including but not limited to harassment, discrimination, disability, retaliation, discipline, and workplace practices. Prepares legal documents, responses, and strategies related to labor and employment claims.
4. May be assigned to investigate claims and complaints involving or impacting CWS and recommend appropriate action. Identifies and evaluates legal risks; advises leadership on exposure, liability, and mitigation strategies.
5. Drafts, reviews, and negotiates intergovernmental agreements, resolutions, ordinances, contracts, and other legal documents.
6. Provides legal advice and counsel to the Board of Directors, General Manager, and CWS staff. Attends meetings of boards, commissions, and committees as required.
7. Prepares legal memos, legal opinions, Board resolutions, ordinances, contracts, and other documents. Reviews reports and evidence; consults with witnesses, experts, and investigators to support litigation and case preparation.
8. Develops and delivers training programs to ensure executives and managers understand legal requirements and avoid misinterpretation of laws and policies.
9. Assists with selection, retention, management, and evaluation of outside counsel; ensures compliance with the budget for external legal services.
10. Maintains a knowledge of existing and emerging laws and regulatory compliance requirements applicable to CWS. Implements processes required to ensure ongoing compliance.
11. May manage the work of legal, professional, and/or supervisory staff. May oversee employee development and performance, including selection and training; preparation of performance appraisals and development or improvement plans; resolution of complaints; and implementation of disciplinary actions.
12. Creates and maintains a positive, engaged, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture within responsible departments and programs to improve the work groups’ understanding and recognition of diversity in the workplace and foster multidisciplinary and integrated team approaches.
13. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of Oregon public entity and government law, contracting, litigation, employment law, and labor relations
• Principles and techniques of negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution
• Principles and techniques of legal writing, and rules of evidence
• Contract, real property, environmental, governmental, employment/labor, and public contracting law and applications
• Rules and regulations
• Legal research methods
• Legal principles, practices, and terminology
• Principles of supervision; teambuilding and coaching techniques and practices

SKILL IN:

• Analyzing, interpreting, and applying legal principles, case law, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems
• Providing accurate and practical legal advice
• Drafting legal documents and providing legal opinions in response to client requests in a timely manner
• Presenting statements of law, fact, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data using accepted legal research procedures and methods
• Selecting, supervising, training, and evaluating staff

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate statements of law, fact, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form
• Assess claims and determine legal liability based on applicable laws, facts, and evidence
• Resolve claims efficiently and effectively through negotiated settlements or litigation, as appropriate
• Support efforts to prevent liability and defend claims to protect the CWS’ legal and financial interests
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

10 years of experience in public sector representation, including public contracting, public ethics, tort, employment and labor law;

6 months experience in public records law;

Litigation experience preferred;

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.

Candidates must be an active member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar Association.

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.