The general counsel is appointed by EID's board of directors. The Office of the General Counsel advises the board, the general manager, and the district’s functional departments on legal matters, defends the district in litigation, reviews all contracts and other legal documents, and administers claims and insurance. This work requires expert analysis and detailed knowledge of and experience in public agency and water-related law. The Office of the General Counsel also works on issues related to water policy — including water rights, intergovernmental coordination, legislative advocacy, and federal water contracts.

Brian Poulsen was appointed General Counsel in January 2017. Prior to his appointment Brian served as the district's Deputy General Counsel for six years. Brian spent the first four years of his law practice as an associate attorney at Somach Simmons & Dunn in Sacramento specializing in water and environmental law. He earned his bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in environmental studies from the University of Utah and graduated with honors from the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law.

Brian is active in the regional and statewide water communities, having previously served on the Board of Directors for the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) and as chair of ACWA’s state legislative committee. He also currently serves on the boards of local nonprofit organizations. Brian and his family live in Placerville.

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