RETIREMENT ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL

CLASSIFICATION PURPOSE AND DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSUnder direction of the Retirement General Counsel, positions in this class represent the San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (SDCERA) and provide or assist with the delivery of legal services to the Board of Retirement, Board committees, SDCERA officers, and other staff, including but not limited to the following areas: Board governance, benefits, investments, disputes and litigation, administration, and other duties.EXAMPLES OF DUTIESEssential Functions:Provide guidance and advice in the matters of law and trial tactics, ordinance drafting and interpretation, legal research, preparation of legal briefs and opinions, trial and appellate practices, ethical issues such as conflict of interest and disclosure of economic interests pursuant to the Political Reform Act and Government Code section 1090, whistleblower and other employment-related complaints and other legal issues.Prepare or assist in the preparation of agendas, minutes, Board policies and procedures, and Board Reports, and attend Board and Board committee meetings, and related legal hearings.Prepare responses to member and staff inquiries concerning CERL and PEPRA, the pension benefit for different tiers and member categories, general application of disability policies and procedures, retiree health benefits family law and probate matters affecting benefit administration, and supplemental or ancillary benefits.Prepare responses concerning HIPAA and other SDCERA and member privacy issues.Prepare responses concerning legal issues associated with SDCERA's investments, investment policies, and investment transactions, including compliance with applicable law and preparation and review of investment related contracts.Assist in handling certain SDCERA business disputes and litigation issues internally as deemed appropriate.Assist in the development and implementation of SDCERA's strategic plan and the Board of Retirement's directions, policies, and decisions.Identify and analyze legal risks.Assist and coordinate with SDCERA staff concerning RFP's and other vendor selection issues, including negotiation and preparation of vendor contracts.Assist with employee hiring, retention, and discipline issues.Prepare responses to Public Records Act requests.Assist in the preparation and monitoring internal and external legal budgets to ensure cost effective delivery of legal services.Stay current on legal developments relevant to SDCERA's business and affairs.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESKnowledge of:Legal principles, legal research, and trial techniques.State and Federal statutory and case law applicable to public entities in California, including but not limited to CERL, PEPRA, the California Constitution, conflict of interest laws, the Brown Act, and the Public Records Act.Rules and procedures for California and Federal Courts.San Diego County Charter, Code of Regulator Ordinances, Administrative Code, and related authorities.Basic computer operation and software programs such as legal research, word processing, and electronic mail.Skills and Abilities to:Maintain confidentiality.Manage the overall legal activities of the Board of Retirement, Board committees, trustees, and SDCERA staff.Analyze difficult/complex legal problems and apply appropriate legal principles and practices.Prepare, present, and conduct complex lawsuits, cases and appeals in an effective manner.Research, analyze, and draft opinions, ordinances and other legal documents.State facts, laws, and arguments clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form to the Board of Retirement, Board committees, SDCERA staff, consultants, managers, service providers, and outside counsel.Communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds and function calmly in adverse situations, which require a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy.Provide quality legal services and exercise good judgment at all times on behalf of SDCERA.Provide responsive, high quality service to County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner.CORE VALUESIntegrity, Stewardship and CommitmentLEADERSHIP COMPETENCIESInitiative, Problem Solving, Results Oriented, Interpersonal Relationships, Organizational Acumen, Development of OthersEDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCEActive membership and in good standing with the State Bar of California and five (5) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the classification.REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONSRequired licenses, certifications and registrations must be maintained throughout employment in this class.License:Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.A valid California Class C driver's license, which must be maintained throughout employment in this class, is required at time of appointment, or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel. Employees in this class may be required to use their own vehicle.Certification/Registration:None required.SPECIAL NOTESWorking Conditions:Office environment; exposure to computer screens. Out of County travel may be required to attend professional conferences and meetings with contractors and consultants.Essential Physical Characteristics:The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.Continuous: upward and downward flexing of the neck. Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers. Occasional: walking, standing, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and lifting and carrying of files weighing up to 10 pounds.Background Investigation:Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a background investigation.PROBATIONARY PERIODPersons serving in positions in the Unclassified Service do not accrue tenure and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.Retirement Assistant General Counsel (Class No. 000292) Union Code: NA

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