Job Description:
California Water Service Group invites you to build a meaningful career with the third‑largest publicly traded water utility. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values—integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship—and reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace®, a Great Place to Work®, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose‑driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.The Director, Associate General Counsel serves as a senior legal advisor to California Water Service Group and its subsidiaries with a primary and substantial focus on complex commercial real estate transactions. The position is a key member of a small legal team that performs or manages all California Water Service Group legal work, including real estate acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and land use matters, general business transactions, procurement, and litigation.
This role requires a seasoned attorney with deep, hands-on experience with real estate transactions including leading due diligence efforts, resolving complex title issues, and managing real estate projects from inception through closing and implementation. The position plays a critical role as a member of the legal and operations teams focused on meeting the needs of the business across a range of legal areas and in driving end-to-end execution of real estate initiatives that support infrastructure development and long-term operational strategy. The position is located in San Jose, CA.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Serves as the legal advisor and negotiator on complex commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, easements, rights-of-way, development projects, and leasing.
Leads and manages real estate due diligence, including oversight of appraisal, title, survey, environmental, zoning, and land use and other entitlements review.
Reviews, negotiates, and prepares commercial contracts related to real estate, construction, and capital projects.
Supports the real estate department, engineering, facilities, and operations on both legal and non-legal matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, and the management of the Group’s real property assets for secondary uses, including telecommunications leasing.
Reviews, negotiates, and prepares commercial contracts, including the procurement of goods and services.
Interacts with and addresses the various legal needs of the organization; analyzes and provides guidance regarding a wide range of legal matters.
Serves as key liaison between outside counsel and supported business units concerning legal issues, large claims, and personal injury/property damage litigation; participates in the successful negotiation of resolutions or settlements of various pre-litigation business disputes.
Responds to legal requests and queries from individuals in all areas and all levels within the organization and proactively recognizes and addresses potential legal issues as they arise.
Monitors and maintains awareness of pending legislation, regulations and legal developments that are relevant to the Company’s business interests.
Interfaces with executives and outside counsel with respect to employment and labor relations, employee/customer health and safety, and environmental compliance matters.
Advises on compliance and legal issues for subsidiaries that operate as regulated public utilities in their respective states.
Effectively manages legal expense budgets through active oversight of outside counsel.
QUALIFICATIONS/ REQUIREMENTS:
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.
Current California Bar admission.
10 years+ of progressive experience as legal counsel at a publicly held company, law firm, regulatory agency, or equivalent experience.
5+ years of senior-level responsibility for land use issues and real estate transactions, such as purchase and sale agreements, easements, licenses and leases, title review and real estate closings.
In-depth knowledge of one or more of the following additional areas: utility regulation, corporate governance, litigation, and contract law.
Experience in negotiating complex commercial transactions such as multiyear goods and services contracts along with major construction contracts, including indemnity clauses and other risk shifting terms.
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with keen attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Good judgment with an understanding of when to ask for guidance or input, and how to spot and solve issues.
Cooperative attitude with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Exceptional negotiation, written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Utility industry experience in a company with revenue of at least $300 million.
Knowledge of the California Public Utilities Commission or similar public utility commission, including its formal and informal proceedings and personnel.
Knowledge of privacy and data security requirements for public companies.
Experience with inverse condemnation and direct condemnation lawsuits by and against public utilities.
Experience with labor and employment law.
Bar admission in Hawai'i, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington or Texas.
Salary Range: $184,900 - $343,300 (DOE)
Deadline to submit resume is Thursday, June 25, 2026.
The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawai'i Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, Texas Water Service, and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.
Skills Required
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
- Current California Bar admission.
- 10+ years progressive experience as legal counsel at a company, law firm, or regulatory agency.
- 5+ years senior-level responsibility for land use issues and real estate transactions (purchase/sale agreements, easements, licenses, leases, title review, closings).
- Hands-on experience leading real estate due diligence, resolving complex title issues, and managing projects through closing and implementation.
- In-depth knowledge of one or more: utility regulation, corporate governance, litigation, contract law.
- Experience negotiating complex commercial and construction contracts, including indemnity and risk-allocation provisions.
- Exceptional negotiation, written, and verbal communication skills; strong judgment and ability to multi-task with attention to detail.
- Ability to manage legal expense budgets and oversee outside counsel.
- Cooperative attitude; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Utility industry experience in a company with revenue of at least $300 million.
- Knowledge of the California Public Utilities Commission and its proceedings.
- Knowledge of privacy and data security requirements for public companies.
- Experience with inverse condemnation and direct condemnation lawsuits.
- Experience with labor and employment law.
- Bar admission in Hawai'i, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, or Texas.
What We Do
California Water Service Group is the third-largest publicly traded, regulated water utility in the United States. The company provides high-quality, affordable water and wastewater utility services to more than two million people west of the Mississippi River through five subsidiaries. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for its customers, communities, employees, and stockholders by delivering a commitment to quality, service, and value.
