Portland Water District · 1 day ago
Corporation Counsel
Portland, ME
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expPortland Water District is seeking a Corporation Counsel to provide legal advice to the General Manager, Senior Leadership, and the Board of Trustees. The role involves ensuring compliance with laws, drafting legal documents, and representing the organization in various legal proceedings.
Utilities
Responsibilities
Interpret and ensure PWD’s compliance with applicable Federal and State laws, municipal ordinances, and contracts
Provides legal advice to the Board of Trustees, and PWD management and staff
Identifies legal problems quickly and knows where to find solutions. Takes a proactive approach to the practice of law that focuses on identifying and preventing potential problems before they develop
Drafts resolutions, charter amendments, deeds, contracts and other legal documents to which PWD is a party. Reviews for form and legal sufficiency documents of a legal nature not prepared by the attorney
Assists senior management on labor matters. The district retains separate counsel to act as primary labor counsel
Participates in PWD’s Internal Review Team related to asset management and manages the appeals process for the Board of Trustees
Drafts contracts and assists the Finance Department with procurement issues
Represents PWD in legal and regulatory proceedings, including arbitrations, administrative or legislative hearings. May also represent PWD in disciplinary matters and grievances
Takes the lead in legislative matters which may impact PWD, including overseeing lobbyist activities and working with water, wastewater and municipal associations to take positions to protect the PWD’s interests
Keeps informed about new local ordinances and state and federal laws and judicial decisions affecting PWD
Builds strong and effective relationships
Attends external meetings as needed
Coordinates work assignments and relationships with outside legal counsel as needed on matters
Handles and manages the liability claims process and keeps the General Manager informed of claims
Acts as PWD’s representative for real estate transactions and works with PWD’s Right of Way agent in drafting real estate related documents
Acts as the Clerk of PWD
Manages Trustee packages and Board meeting agendas in conjunction with the General Manager
Serves as PWD’s Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) Officer
Manages relationships with outside counsel as needed
Qualification
Required
Graduation from an accredited law school with a satisfactory academic record; member of good standing of the Maine Bar and a member or eligible for membership in the Federal Bar
Absence of conflicts of interest
A minimum of five (5) years of legal experience, must have a working knowledge of many facets of law that will be encountered
Well-developed written and oral communication skills. Ability to write effective letters, proposals, contracts and other legal documents. Makes clear, understandable presentations in group settings, and can make strong arguments on points of law
The demonstrated ability to prevent personal views on an issue from influencing legal advice
Good personal relation skills in order to develop a positive working relationship with all contacts
Possess and maintain a valid State of Maine Driver's License, with a satisfactory driving record
Preferred
Experience in the following areas of the law are preferred: municipal, land use, environmental, real estate, governance, government, labor, utility law and contracts
Company
Portland Water District
The Portland Water District (Maine) is a company, rich in history and experience.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase