General Counsel Role and Responsibilities
Under direction of the Board of Directors, in coordination with the General Manager, the General Counsel performs a broad range of staff legal work, represents the District on legal matters before a variety of governmental agencies and tribunals, performs a wide variety of legal research, provides senior management with effective legal advice or opinion and their implementation, research, studying, interpreting, and applying laws and regulations, and court decisions; provides expert legal advice in the specialized area of water law which may be exceptionally difficult and sensitive.
For a description of specific duties, visit the District’s General Counsel class description on the District’s website.
The core responsibilities of the General Counsel are to guarantee the District is working in compliance with the law in every way. The incumbent will handle all legal actions to prevent the District’s profile and its employee’s reputation from the risk of exposure to the public as defined below:
- Provide legal advice or opinion to management and the Board of Directors and on the legal effect of rules, regulations, proposed legislation, statutory law, court decisions, andadministrative actions.
- Provide legal advice or opinion related to the definition and development of District policies, procedures, and programs and provide continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and legal implications of all matters.
- Serve as key lawyer/legal advisor on all major transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, and joining ventures.
- Respond to legal correspondence; conduct special investigations involved in the enforcement of laws and District policies, rules, and regulations.
- Assist in the preparation of or prepare cases that may result in litigation before boards,commissions, hearing officers, administrative law judges, or trial or appellate courts.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following professional characteristics:
- Familiarity with the operation of the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project.
- Knowledge of the California Statutory and Constitutional Law, Government Codes, and Federal water laws.
- Experience with the conduct and proceedings in trial and appellate courts band beforeadministrative bodies.
- Ability to analyze legal principles and apply them to the most difficult and complex legal and administrative issues.
- Familiarity and knowledge of the State and Federal legislative process.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Experience working closely with a wide range of constituencies: Board of Directors, water users, landowners, unions, member agencies, and key parties.
Personal Characteristics
The General Counsel will be expected to have the following personal characteristics:
- Trustworthiness, honesty, and integrity.
- Engaging and inspiring interpersonal skills.
- Appreciation for the needs of water users and partner agencies.
Professional Requirements
Education and Experience:A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree, current membership in the California State Bar and demonstrate years of increasingly responsible experience as an attorney or courtroom environment. A clear comprehensive understanding of legal matters in water law.Compensation and BenefitsThe annual salary range for this role is $150,000 – $498,000. Compensation will be commensurate with the experiences of the selected candidate. For information regarding District benefits, visit www.wwd.ca.gov.
Application and Selection Process
This is a confidential process and will be handled accordingly throughout all phases of therecruitment and selection process.
Submittals from interested candidates are desired immediately but should be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on December 22, 2023. Candidates are strongly urged to apply early; evaluations of all potential candidates will be done throughout the recruitment process. Only a select number of highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process.
An electronic version of all submittals is required. Interested candidates should apply immediately by sending via email a comprehensive resume and compelling cover letter (two-page maximum) to: tvang@wwd.ca.gov no later than December 22, 2023.
Candidates invited to the interview process will be required to submit a list of six work-related references(two supervisors, two direct reports, and two colleagues). References will be contacted after the interview process.
To learn more about Westlands, visit the District’s Website at: www.wwd.ca.gov
For questions and inquiries, please contact Ter Vang (559) 241-6206 or tvang@wwd.ca.gov.
Application materials will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this brochure. Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to participate in the interview process.
Conditional Offer of Employment
An offer of employment will be conditioned upon legal ability to work in the United States; passing a medical examination, which will include a drug screening; and verification of a candidate’s employment history, education and training, other information contained in the Employment Application, and any license requirements.
If you need special accommodations for the interview due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Human Resources Department at (559) 241-6205 immediately.
Westlands Water District is an Equal Opportunity/ADA Employer
