Chief Legal Officer Jobs

This position has been evaluated as to whether a momentary lapse of attention may result in grave and immediate danger to the employee, coworkers, or the public. If the designation is yes, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA) of 2016 will govern working conditions. If no, the AMMA will not apply to the position.

LRWRA’s CLO is an executive-level leader who must possess strong decision-making and critical thinking skills while executing strong strategies. The individual must have the ability to draw on experiences, anticipate outcomes, have an intuitive sense of understanding situations, shape issues rather than issues shaping them, and have an innate judgment on important issues. The CLO should have the capacity to cope with complexity, amorphousness, and uncertainty, and have the resiliency and ingenuity to adapt to new and different circumstances.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS):

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Handle all state legislative issues affecting LRWRA including drafting and seeking enactment of legislation and providing advice/recommendations regarding newly enacted legislation which affects LRWRA.
• Undertake any reasonable request within capabilities that is good for the community and the utility.
• Maintain active memberships in relevant local, state, and national organizations.
• Follow safety practices and guidelines.
• Coordinate work activities and oversee all aspects of the Legal, Governmental Relations, Human Resources, and Environmental Affairs departments.
• Provide day-to day legal counsel to management, employees, and the LRWRC on legal and compliance matters including easement, procurement, contract, employment and construction law, and Arkansas Freedom of Information Act issues.
• Monitor, for the LRWRA CEO, the legal and regulatory issues of importance to LRWRA’s mission and provide advice and counsel regarding same.
• Secure, coordinate, and oversee outside legal counsel, as needed.
• Be assertive and expect excellence while nurturing creativity and innovation.
• Review and respond to Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Challenge supervisory level staff to excel and increase individual and staff performance and productivity.
• Maintain in-depth relations with all members of the Executive team.
• Ensure established work procedures and practices are followed.
• Develop and mentor a strong team through training, problem resolution, performance evaluations, operating procedures, and teamwork.
• Oversee the supervision of department staff.
• Create and update LRWRA policies and procedures.
• Provide mentoring and management to direct reports in areas including Human Resources and Environmental Affairs.
• Support employee career growth and assist in solving complex problems.
• Work cooperatively with groups and individuals including the City of Little Rock Mayor, City Manager, Little Rock Board of Directors, and staff; Little Rock residents; state legislators; and civic, regulatory or advocacy groups.
• Coordinate activities and issues with LRWRA’s federal government relations partner.
• Resolve work problems presented by staff. Hear concerns and employee complaints, review disciplinary cases, propose progressive action, as necessary.
• Represent LRWRC’s and LRWRA’s legal interests in all anticipated and known litigation. Prepare and review various legal instruments and documents such as contracts, garnishments, easements and like matters that would be submitted before a regulatory body including the Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment, or a court of law.
• Recommend, engage, and implement direction from and for the CEO, Executive Staff and the LRWRC on relevant legal issues and trends.
• Oversee and maintain policies and procedures and manuals for efficient functionality of departments.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Required:

• License to practice law in the State of Arkansas with license in good standing.
• Ten or more years of experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm, government agency, or corporate setting.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Arkansas driver’s license.
• Minimum of 5 years progressive supervisory experience in leading a multi-disciplinary department.
• Juris Doctorate from accredited law school.

• Contracts and purchasing requirements.
• Knowledge of:
  • Contracts and purchasing requirements.
  • Municipal, state, and federal law.
  • All levels of the legislative process.
  • Organizational structures and functions of city government.
• All levels of the legislative process.
• Experience representing a governmental entity.
• Organizational structures and functions of city government.
• 3-5 years of experience as in-house legal counsel, or as outside legal counsel to an organization.
• Municipal, state, and federal law.
• Experience with the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act

• Ability to supervise, communicate, and lead project team members.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and presentations.
• Proven success in providing legal guidance in the context of complex organizations.
• Ability to document programs and procedures.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Arkansas driver’s license.
• Ability to schedule projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to plan, assign, and direct the work of supervisors.
• Ability to effectively counsel with concise practical advice, and creative solutions.
• Sound judgment and personal and professional integrity.
• Familiarity with the functions, organization, and operating procedures of a municipal entity.
• Exceptional analytical, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to make presentations to LRWRA staff, commissioners, regulatory agencies, city officials, and the public, as required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with government agencies, consulting engineers, contractors, and the public.

LRWRA’s Mission
Serving our community by protecting public health and the environment while leading the industry by reclaiming water for a more sustainable tomorrow.

LRWRA’s Value Statement
We commit to exceptional service, integrity beyond reproach, respect for people, communities, and cultures with tangible and lasting results.

LRWRA's Core Values
Community Partnerships – We build community partnerships and provide public outreach regarding our “One Water. One Future.” Commitment.

Embracing Change – We develop forward-thinking and creative solutions to enhance our processes, practices, and services.

Excellence – We commit to providing exceptional service through professionalism in our words, actions, attitudes, and communication for the betterment of our community and environment.

Integrity – We demonstrate the highest standards of morals, honesty, respect, and accountability for our results and actions.

Inclusion – We value, solicit, and embrace the unique differences and perspectives of each employee. We are committed to a hiring process that reflects the diverse makeup of the community we serve.

Safety – Above all, we are strongly committed to providing a safe environment for our employees.

Teamwork – We embrace an environment where all voices are heard and respected through collaboration to achieve the overall best outcome.