In-House Counsel

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

To be considered for this position, you must submit this supplemental questionnaire with your resume and the MCWD employment application. Please provide no more than (1) one typewritten page for each question. Your responses will be evaluated for content, organization, clarity, and conciseness. Be sure to briefly identify your role in each experience, describe the position you held, and the employer.

1.  Describe your view of the role of a special district’s general legal counsel.

2.  How would you establish, develop, and maintain an effective working relationship with the Board of Directors, General Manager, Department Heads, and other agencies?

3.  How would you describe your style of participation in Board meetings and workshops?

4.  Describe how you will keep MCWD informed about the status of litigation and other legal matters.

5.  How do you evaluate the costs/benefits of litigating or settling cases?

6.  Define the standard time frames for response by the primary legal counsel to direction and/or inquiry from the Board of Directors or General Manager and District staff.

7.  Describe your legal expertise in the following areas as it relates to special districts or municipal governments:

a.  Laws and regulations governing California special districts, and operating procedures relative to the conduct of special district business;

b.  Experience and knowledge of Public Contracting Code, Labor Code and other construction of public works and improvements;

c.  Environmental law including: California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA);

d.  Contracts, joint powers authorities, memorandums of understanding, including risk transfer provisions;

e.  Preparation and review of ordinances and resolutions;

f.  Real estate law, easements, rights-of-way, and other related agreements and negotiations;

g.  California Public Records Act, the Ralph M. Brown Act, Fair Political Practices Commission regulations and public official statues, and the California Elections Code;

h.  Formation of assessment and improvement districts;

i.  Laws pertaining to fees and taxes, including Proposition 218;

j.  Other relevant areas pertaining to special district/water agency or municipal law.