Port of Benton General Counsel

Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive General Counsel to serve as the chief legal officer for our port authority. This pivotal role involves providing comprehensive legal guidance across a broad spectrum of legal areas, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and supporting the organization’s strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of maritime, environmental, land use, and governmental law, along with exceptional negotiation and legal research skills. As the primary legal advisor, you will lead efforts to mitigate risk, oversee legal proceedings, and foster strong relationships with stakeholders to advance the port’s mission and operational excellence. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to influence policy, manage complex legal matters, and contribute to regional economic growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal counsel on maritime law, environmental regulations, land use policies, tribal law & regulations, and other relevant statutes affecting port operations.
• Oversee all litigation matters including general & commercial litigation, personal injury cases, and employment law disputes; coordinate with external counsel as needed.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts including leases, service agreements, construction contracts, and intergovernmental arrangements.
• Conduct statutory legal research utilizing tools such as LexisNexis and Westlaw to ensure compliance with evolving laws and regulations.
• Manage legal case files efficiently using case management systems; prepare motions, pleadings, and legal memoranda with precision.
• Lead negotiations with tenants, vendors, government agencies, tribes, and other stakeholders to reach mutually beneficial agreements.
• Advise on land acquisition projects, environmental compliance initiatives, immigration issues related to workforce management, and tribal consultations.
• Develop policies that align with statutory requirements while supporting organizational goals; ensure all activities adhere to procedural law standards.
• Stay current on developments in securities law and workers’ compensation law that impact port operations; provide training to staff on relevant legal topics.
• Support internal investigations related to personal injury claims or employment disputes; prepare reports for executive review.

Experience

• Proven experience practicing law in a governmental or port authority setting is highly desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of estate planning, environmental law, tribal law & regulations, litigation procedures, contract drafting & negotiation is essential.
• Demonstrated expertise in handling personal injury cases and employment law matters with a focus on risk mitigation.
• Strong research skills utilizing LexisNexis and Westlaw platforms for statutory interpretation and case law analysis.
• Experience managing complex legal cases from inception through resolution within a law office environment or similar setting.
• Excellent writing skills demonstrated through preparation of motions, legal memoranda, contracts, and administrative documents.
• Familiarity with procedural law standards governing governmental entities; ability to navigate regulatory frameworks efficiently.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyer stakeholders while maintaining professionalism under pressure.

This role offers an engaging environment where your expertise will directly impact regional infrastructure development while supporting sustainable practices and community engagement. If you are passionate about applying your broad legal knowledge in a dynamic setting dedicated to public service excellence—this is the opportunity for you!

Pay: $157,661.00 - $191,493.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $157,661 - $191,493