Following a national search to select its top legal officer, the San Diego County Water Authority Thursday named local attorney Mark J. Hattam as general counsel.
A partner in the San Diego office of Allen Matkins, a California-based law firm specializing in real estate, litigation, labor, tax, land use and business law, Hattam will begin his new post March 14.
Hattam’s practice consists of litigation in state and federal courts regarding water rights, commercial disputes, real property, insurance, environmental regulations and other issues, as well as administrative hearing practice.
He has represented major institutional and public-sector clients in civil litigation, including water transfers and water rates, according to the water authority.
Last year, Hattam served as outside counsel for the agency, successfully defending it against a claim that it had failed to account for the environmental impacts of its long-term water supply plan.
As general counsel, Hattam will advise the water authority board and executive staff on a range of legal matters, including the agency’s high- profile litigation over the legality of rates set by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
The SDCWA board of directors approved Hattam’s terms of employment during its regular monthly meeting.
–City News Service
