Assistant General Counsel

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority•San Diego, CA

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the General Counsel is seeking an Assistant General Counsel who will serve as a trusted legal advisor to the Authority’s General Counsel, Board of Directors, executive leadership, and departments across the organization. Working closely with the General Counsel, this role provides guidance on complex legal and governance matters that shape the operations of one of the nation’s busiest single-runway airports. The Assistant General Counsel plays a key leadership role within the legal department, supervising members of the legal team while partnering with the General Counsel to support the Authority’s legal strategy. This includes advising executives and Board members on emerging issues, interpreting regulatory requirements, and helping the organization navigate complex legal questions in a dynamic public environment. This role operates at the intersection of law, public governance, and infrastructure development. The Assistant General Counsel provides legal guidance on matters impacting airport operations, regulatory compliance, litigation strategy, and major capital projects, including the continued development of the New Terminal 1 program and future construction initiatives. The ideal candidate brings sound legal judgment, confidence in executive settings, and the ability to communicate clearly with people across the organization, from Board members and senior leaders to frontline employees. At San Diego International Airport, this role offers a rare opportunity to advise on decisions that shape a critical piece of public infrastructure while working alongside leaders responsible for the airport’s future.

Requirements

Ten years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, at least five of which were in a supervisory capacity, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
Graduation with a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Current membership in good standing in the State Bar of California and admission to practice before State of California courts. If the State Bar membership is outside of California, must successfully pass the State Bar of California within one year of hire and maintain membership in good standing throughout employment with the Authority.
Leadership: Builds cohesive teams and fosters employee engagement by encouraging open dialogue, recognizing contributions, and defining success through collective achievement.
Critical Evaluation: Identifies issues, conducts legal research, analyzes complex problems, evaluates alternatives, and develops sound conclusions and recommendations.
Interpersonal & Presentation: Communicates effectively in writing, verbally, and digitally; clearly presents information and persuasively engages audiences in both group and one-on-one settings.
Strategy: Develops and executes strategies that support organizational priorities, long-term objectives, and the Authority’s mission.
Influencing Skills: Engages stakeholders, builds alignment, and gains commitment to advance initiatives and deliver effective solutions.
Integrity: Exercises diplomacy, sound judgment, and discretion when handling highly sensitive, complex, and confidential matters.
Agility & Problem-Solving: Evaluates evolving situations, collaborates to generate solutions, and adapts approaches to address changing priorities and challenges.
Judgment & Decision Making: Applies sound judgment and confidentiality when selecting procedures, interacting with departments and stakeholders, and resolving complex, non-routine issues.

Nice To Haves

Experience practicing municipal law or airport/aviation law, including advising governing boards or executive leadership in a public infrastructure environment.

Responsibilities

Advise Executive Leadership: Serves as a trusted legal advisor to the General Counsel, Authority Board, executive leadership, and departments by providing guidance on complex governance, regulatory, community, risk mitigation, and operational matters affecting airport operations.
Lead Legal Team Operations: Oversees the work of Associate General Counsels, paralegal, and administrative staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing legal department.
Provide Strategic Legal Counsel: Researches and analyzes complex legal issues and delivers clear, practical legal opinions that support informed decision-making by Board members and senior leadership.
Draft & Negotiate Agreements: Reviews and prepares contracts, agreements, memoranda, and legal instruments supporting the Authority’s operations, partnerships, and business activities.
Oversee Litigation & Claims: Manages or represents the Authority in civil litigation, administrative hearings, and claims matters; develops legal strategies, directs outside counsel, and negotiates resolutions.
Support Major Infrastructure Initiatives: Provides legal guidance on significant organizational initiatives, including airport development and capital improvement projects such as the New Terminal 1 program.
Monitor Regulatory & Legislative Landscape: Tracks federal and state legislative and regulatory developments and advises leadership on potential impacts to Authority policies, practices, and operations.

Benefits

You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan.
Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
Enjoy a workplace that makes well‑being part of the daily routine!
Tap into multiple on‑site gyms, unwind or brainstorm in outdoor workspaces, score fitness discounts for every level and goal, give back with volunteer‑time rewards, connect with financial wellness advisors, and explore scenic walking trails just steps from campus, all wrapped in a supportive wellness package designed to help you feel your best inside and outside of work.

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