General Counsel

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

PAY RANGE: Executive

REPORTS TO: General Manager /CEO

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

SUMMARY: This position is responsible for providing legal advice, counsel, representation, and analysis to the Board of Directors, General Manager/CEO, Executive Management, and staff. General Counsel provides strategic and tactical oversight of all legal matters in a variety of external forums, including the Texas Legislature and state administrative agencies. Serves as a member of the Executive Management Team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Serves 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, public information and open meetings, employment law, and GBRA policies and procedures. Assists the General Manager/CEO with GBRA’s interactions and negotiations with state and federal officials, private entities, and customer representatives in regard to GBRA’s water resources and utility operations. Performs, plans, and assigns legal services, which may include drafting of orders, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal documents, and supervises litigation as necessary. Counsels and advises GBRA’s Board of Directors, General Manager/CEO, Executive Management, and staff in connection with all aspects of water resources law and related legal disciplines, including administrative law, public law, utility law, and environmental law, as they relate to GBRA. Negotiates, drafts, interprets, and reviews complex transactional documents associated with water supply projects and the management of water resources, including financial documents. Prepares wholesale and retail water supply contracts. Researches unique legal issues impacting the organization by identifying applicable statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions. Provides legal representation, advice, and opinions in managing and resolving disputes that may lead to litigation. Represents GBRA in civil actions brought by or against GBRA, administrative hearings, arbitration, and any state and federal agencies on matters relating to acquisition, sale, and permitting of surface and groundwater rights. Advises the General Manager/CEO on the status of litigation on a regular basis and provides various legal strategies for management of that litigation. Implements the decisions of the General Manager/CEO and the Board of Directors regarding litigation. Provides management and supervision to in-house counsel and retains and manages outside counsel.l Provides management and supervision of GBRA records management and contract management functions. Consults with the Executive Team to develop appropriate solutions to internal business operations and legal needs. Contribute to GBRA’s strategic planning process. Reviews posting of board meetings to ensure compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Oversees requests and responses to Public Information Act requests. Prepares documentation; attends hearings; provides testimony related to water and wastewater rate appeals. Performs other work as assigned. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications. Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, statutes, and regulations as they pertain to areas of discipline. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external staff, including Board of Directors, elected officials, policy makers, community leaders, contractors, consultants, and industry leaders. Must demonstrate a willingness and ability to take direction and follow GBRA policies and practices. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Ability to conduct research on complex legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions. Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and procedures. Ability to analyze complex problems, provide alternatives, and implement solutions in support of established goals. Ability to exhibit high standards of business and personal ethical conduct, leadership, teamwork, positive attitude, initiative, and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with law and practice relating to any of the following subjects: Special District Local Laws Code, Chapter 8512 Texas surface water and groundwater rights Texas regulation of surface water and groundwater use Safe Drinking Water Act laws and regulations, including applicable Texas laws Clean Water Act law and regulations, including applicable Texas laws Texas regulation of water and sewer utilities (CCNs, rates) Texas Civil Trial Practice (civil procedures, civil evidence, and appellate procedures) Texas Administrative Procedure and Administrative Law Texas Government Code, Chapter 551 The Texas Public Information Act The Texas Open Meetings Act Requirements for the procurement of goods and services by Texas governmental entities. Construction Law Employment and Human Resources Law and related procedure. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS Combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities; a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school Registrations and Licenses: Valid Driver's License with acceptable M.V.R. Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas EXPERIENCE Ten years of increasingly responsible experience as a licensed practicing attorney in several of the following areas: public law and public law finance issues, environmental and administrative matters, complex real estate/business transactions, utility law (including water law), labor and employment-related matters, corporate matters, and legislative affairs, to include five years' management experience. MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Yes. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those required of 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. Ability to lift twenty-five pounds to waist height and navigate plant operating sites. WORK ENVIRONMENT Potential extended travel, primarily within the ten-county GBRA district, as well as within and outside the state to represent the GBRA and the General Manager, is required. Ability to adapt work style to meet a complex and varied workload. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.