Translating legal knowledge into business solutions to minimize risk. Optimizing governance to achieve corporate objectives and balance stakeholder interests for a publicly-traded holding company (NYSE: SWX).--Interpret rapidly-developing SEC regulations and draft corporate policies, using legal research skills to incorporate information from regulations, court decisions and legal memoranda. Train Board of Directors, officers and staff on compliance with insider trading policy with short, memorable and interactive presentations.--Expertise in proxy statement preparation, including calculations for executive compensation tables. Part of a team that successfully defended a tender offer and proxy contest from a well-known activist investor via settlement agreement. Supported strategic alternatives review, resulting M&A activity involving sale of a subsidiary and IPO of another subsidiary.--Business-focused contract drafting for executive employment and separation, professional services, non-disclosure, ISDA schedules and credit support annex, director and officer indemnification, equity incentive compensation awards and change-in-control.--Supported capital markets activities, raising ~$1 billion over 4 months via equity issuances, debt issuances and term loan agreements. Interfaced with multiple departments to identify responsive documents for underwriter counsel due diligence.--Draft or work with outside counsel to review SEC filings (’33 Act and ’34 Act), including registration statements, Section 16 filings, preparation of current disclosures on Form 8-K, and legal review of Forms 10-Q and 10-K.--Member of ESG Working Group, leading sustainability and compliance initiatives for environmental and social considerations.

Trusted member of the City’s executive team, interfacing with director-level management while practicing water law, local government contracting, and providing advice and counsel to the Public Works Department.--Proactively negotiated contracts for goods and services, real estate purchases, airport licensing agreements, professional services, development agreements, and intergovernmental agreements.--Advised elected officials and executive management on open meeting law and public records compliance, and strategic water law considerations. --Served as lead counsel for City’s Public Works Department, interpreting contracts and managing contractual risks related to utility operations and providing strategic counsel for assured water supply designation and City water policy.

Multi-faceted experience supporting regulatory and operations activities for a publicly-traded holding company and natural gas utility operating in Arizona, California and Nevada. --Prepared proxy statements, Form 8-Ks, and other documents filed with the SEC, incorporating emerging environmental, social, and corporate governance topics.--Business-focused contract negotiation for developing new business opportunities, professional services, SaaS (software as a service), and real estate transactions.--Regulatory administrative law practice before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the public utilities commissions in Arizona, California and Nevada. Secured approval of the company's first renewable natural gas project in Arizona.--Relied on well-developed teamwork, collaboration, and project management skills to prepare expert witnesses for testifying in administrative hearings for annual rate adjustments and conservation and energy efficiency programs.--Analyzed proposed regulations in Arizona, California and Nevada for impact on utility operations and drafted persuasive memoranda and pleadings in response to requests for public comment.--Recognized leader in cross-departmental collaboration as Co-Chair of the Employee Engagement Committee for corporate headquarters.

Intensive study to prepare for taking the Arizona bar exam in July 2018. While studying, at various times worked as a freelance attorney through the Lawclerk.legal online marketplace and as a law clerk in the Civil Division of the Clark County District Attorney’s Office.

Chief in-house counsel for water and environmental resources including permit and right of way procurement and defense through state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies. --Over 11 years, promoted from Attorney I to Attorney III and briefly served as Director of Legal Services Department. --Participated in complex multi-state and multi-party negotiations relating to use of groundwater and Colorado River, including collaboration with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. --Negotiated contracts for SaaS, as well as purchase and sale agreements for water rights, easements and land access licenses, and other land interests. Authored, reviewed and edited data privacy provisions for professional service agreements, website privacy policies, administrative policies for technology resource use by employees, and vendor cyber security questionnaires.--Collaborated cross-functionally with professionals in the information technology, finance, resources and facilities, and water resources departments to deliver insightful advice and counsel. Served as a member of the IT Steering Committee, Cybersecurity Committee, and Natural Resource Management teams.