ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL

Description

Why join GBRA?

· Competitive salary

· Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance at no cost to employee

· Texas County & District Retirement system matched 2:1 at retirement

· 12 days of annual leave

· 12 days of sick leave

· Paid Holidays

· 100% company-paid training

· License incentive program

· Educational assistance program

· Safety boot program

· Employee wellness program with gym reimbursement

· Employee recognition events

· Exclusive employee perks & discounts

FLSA STATUS: Exempt  

PAY RANGE:  $112,728.00 - $187,879.00 

REPORTS TO:  General Counsel 

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

SUMMARY 

This position serves as in-house counsel under the direct supervision of the General Counsel and General Management Team. The position provides legal advice and representation concerning GBRA's real estate transactions, land rights, water resources, utility operations, and other assigned matters. This position may require supervising support staff and participating in their performance evaluations. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Advise GBRA management, staff, and the Board of Directors, as assigned, on legal issues affecting GBRA operations, projects, and administration.
• Provide legal counsel on the acquisition, use, maintenance, protection, and disposition of real property interests, including fee interests, easements, rights of way, licenses, leases, and access rights.
• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, easements, deeds, licenses, leases, offer letters, settlement documents, and other instruments related to real estate transactions and infrastructure projects.
• Advise on acquisition strategies, property negotiations, and the legal implications of site selection, project expansion, property disposition, encroachments, and lease or rental obligations.
• Review title commitments and exceptions, deeds and other conveyance records, surveys and plats, appraisals, and related materials; identify legal issues and recommend steps to obtain and protect the property rights needed for GBRA projects.
• Counsel staff on right of way acquisition and property rights issues; coordinate the legal work of outside counsel, title companies, and right of way professionals, and advise on disputes and performance issues arising from their work.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and relevant staff on condemnation proceedings and other property-related disputes
• Prepare or review legal documents and represent GBRA in proceedings as assigned.
• Review documents and advise GBRA management and staff on matters relating to  Public Information Act requests. 
• Prepare or review Board agenda materials and resolutions and make presentations to the Board as assigned.
• Represent GBRA in administrative and court proceedings as assigned; coordinate and contribute to the management of outside counsel. 
• Research and interpret statutes, regulations, court decisions, and other legal authorities; provide practical written and oral advice and recommendations.
• Review, draft, and negotiate water supply agreements, water and/or sewer service contracts, general services contracts, and other legal documents relating to GBRA operations. 
• Familiarity with statutes, court opinions, regulations, and other laws affecting GBRA operations and administration. 
• Keep General Counsel and other supervisory personnel apprised of, and up to date on, significant assignments, legal risks, deadlines, and developments. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES 

• Strong legal research, analysis, drafting, negotiation, and oral and written communication skills; ability to translate legal issues into practical recommendations.
• Ability to interpret complex legal and technical materials, including conveyance instruments, title documents, surveys, plats, appraisals, engineering information, and contracts.
• Knowledge of Texas real estate transactions, land acquisition, easements and rights of way, title matters, and condemnation practice, or the ability to develop that knowledge promptly.
• Familiarity with laws affecting public entities and utility operations, which may include Texas water law, environmental regulation, utility regulation, administrative law, public procurement, construction law, the Public Information Act, the Open Meetings Act, employment law, and civil litigation.
• Strong judgment, discretion, organization, and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines while working under the direction of the General Counsel.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with GBRA staff, Board members, landowners, customers, governmental representatives, outside counsel, consultants, and the public.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and the ability to use relevant legal and document management tools. 

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS 

• Juris Doctor or equivalent degree from an accredited law school. 
• Active license to practice law in Texas, in good standing with the State Bar of Texas; must maintain licensure and satisfy applicable continuing legal education requirements during employment 
• Valid Texas Driver’s License and acceptable motor vehicle record. 
• At least three years’ experience as a practicing attorney. Experience with real estate transactions, land acquisition, easements or rights of way, condemnation, utility or infrastructure projects, or representation of a public entity is preferred. 

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

No regular direct reports. The position may coordinate the work of outside counsel, consultants, and support staff and may assist with staff performance evaluations as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified 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. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Work is generally performed in an office setting, with visits to project sites and attendance at meetings or proceedings as needed. Occasional travel, including overnight travel for meetings or training, may be required.