General Counsel Jobs

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal of all assigned employees. Provides legal review and advice concerning regulatory matters, compliance issues, real estate negotiations, and all legal proceedings and claims to BPUB Board of Directors and the General Manager & CEO. Attends all BPUB Board meetings. Participates in BPUB’s decision-making process and protects the utility’s legal interests, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. Provides identification, monitoring, reporting, and analysis of significant developments at the Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the United States Department of Energy (USDOE) that have significant potential to affect the cost of electricity or natural gas to BPUB customers, and/or the reliability of the supply of electricity or natural gas. Litigates or otherwise appears in proceedings before ERCOT with respect to matters that have significant potential to affect the cost of electricity or natural gas to BPUB customers, and/or the reliability of the supply of electricity or natural gas to BPUB. Attends and/or comments on proceedings with respect to such significant developments, preparing written comments and/or delivering oral testimony or presentations for complex matters that affect BPUB. Coordinates with and monitors outside counsel on litigation matters and provides an effective defense in the event of litigation. Participates in all stages of litigation, from the discovery process through settlement negotiations or trial. Tracks contested cases and stays informed of the issues being addressed. Monitors current trends and issues for communications, electric, water, and wastewater utilities and their industries, and determines potential regulatory effects of these trends. In conjunction with other divisions, prepares complex reports as required by the legislature, Board action, and/or other reports as needed. Serves as a trusted advisor in areas that may extend beyond a strictly legal role. Institutes measures to prevent future litigation and monitors the activity of the utility and its employees. Serves as liaison on all legal matters involving outside legal counsel for all BPUB departments. Provides recommendations of the legal risks and strategies associated with all disputes and settlements. Develops regulatory, litigation, and/or other legal strategies with the overall business objectives of the BPUB. Conducts and/or participates in legal proceedings and other complex legal transactions. Provides legal guidance on numerous other issues presented in the operation and administration of a municipally owned utility. Reviews and evaluates results of program impact; provides summary findings to Executive Management, and recommends options to optimize programs and processes. Monitors and identifies legal requirements, government reporting regulations, and legislative issues and priorities affecting assigned functional areas and determines their respective impacts on current and future operations. Assures policies, procedures and reporting are in compliance. Completes other duties as assigned.

Thorough knowledge of State, Federal, and common law, constitution law, and compliance and regulations affecting BPUB. Particular expertise in areas pertaining to the Energy Reliability Council of Texas, (ERCOT), Public Utility Commission of Texas, and knowledge of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), as well as experience in contractual arrangements in procurement of electricity and market design. Comprehensive knowledge of the laws applicable to the activities, duties, and operations of a home rule municipal government. Comprehensive knowledge of the City resolutions and charter provisions related to the authority and functions of the City departments as they relate to the functions of BPUB. Extensive knowledge of the judicial procedures and rules of evidence. Considerable knowledge of established precedents and source of legal reference applicable to BPUB activities. Basic knowledge of the Texas Local Government Code, the Texas Utilities Code, and other laws relevant to the operation of a municipal utility. Knowledge and experience in formulating policy.

Mastery of legal issues central to the success of critical regulatory functions. Exceptional skills in reading, analyzing, interpreting, and writing complex legal documents. Skill in exercising good judgement within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Exceptional skills at handling multiple complex tasks successfully and meeting tight deadlines. Skill in proficiently utilizing Microsoft Office Programs. Strong ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents. Ability to prepare cases, research data, interview witnesses, and try cases in all levels of court. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing. Fundamental ability to effectively conduct presentations to executive management, public groups, and the board of directors. Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with elected officials, associates, BPUB officials and members of the general public. Ability to set strategy, provides direction, and create plans to meet both functional and departmental goals. Ability to address confidential information and/or subjects with sensitivity.

In addition to any and all other qualifications required for employment stated under the Brownsville P.U.B Personnel Policies and Procedures Policy No. 39: