County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

The General Counsel performs a full range of legal services in a professional, timely, cost-effective and creative manner. The General Counsel represents Zone 7 in litigation and other proceedings to which Zone 7 is a party; provides legal advice to the Board of Directors, the General Manager and Zone 7 staff; negotiates, drafts, and reviews contracts, documents, and other legal agreements. The General Counsel performs legal work including research and analysis of facts, evidence and relevant law to determine appropriate legal strategy and handling of Zone 7’s legal matters. The General Counsel presents such material, orally or in writing, to the Board of Directors and General Manager in a clear and concise manner.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The General Counsel is responsible for rendering legal advice and development of legal strategies to carry out the policy directives of the Board of Directors and to take all legal actions necessary to protect and/or advance the interests of the Zone 7 Water Agency. This position reports to the General Manager, Zone 7.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Personally attends all meetings of the Board of Directors and renders to the Board oral legal advice on a variety of complex matters at such meetings.
2. Prepares ordinances, contracts, opinions, and other legal documents.
3. Represents Zone 7 in administrative and judicial proceedings.
4. Provide legal advice with respect to acquisition, management and disposal of Zone 7 property and provides legal advice and assistance in procurement and construction contract programs.
5. Reviews, analyzes and monitors pending state and federal legislation.
6. Represents Zone 7’s interests in response to claims and litigation by or against Zone 7.
7. Supervises the selection, assignment and evaluation of subordinate personnel and outside legal counsel.
8. Supervises and oversees the performance of legal work performed by outside legal counsel.
9. Represent Zone 7’s interests relating to its water enterprise including State Water Contract, groundwater and water transfer issues, CEQA, Endangered Species and Environmental Protection Act issues.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of five years’ full-time experience in the class of Deputy County Counsel, or the equivalent of one-year full-time experience in the class of Senior Deputy County Counsel in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

The equivalent of six years’ full- time, increasingly responsible experience as an attorney in the field of civil law with an emphasis on water law, CEQA, land use, real estate and public construction and contracting.

License:

Current membership in the California State Bar.
Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.


NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• California statutory and constitutional law, including the law relating to: the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of public officials and administrative boards and agencies; water law; flood control district act; government tort liability and public contracting.
• Responsibilities, powers, and statutory limitations of Zone 7.
• Principles and practice of constitutional, civil and administrative law and procedure.
• Trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence.
• Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research.
• Trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence.
• California civil and appellate procedure.
• Provisions of law and rules of procedure governing the conduct of meetings of and hearings before public bodies.

Ability to:

• Present oral and written statements of fact, law and argument in a clear and logical manner.
• Research, analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and present such material orally or in writing in clear and logical form.
• Analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents and instruments.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of professional and clerical subordinates engaged in work of a legal nature.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

RC:pf
Newspecs: 4900.doc
CSC Date: 3/2/2005

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.