News Summary
Steve Otera, General Counsel of the Port of Los Angeles, has been awarded the Corporate Counsel Award by the Los Angeles Business Journal. His 23-year career at the port exemplifies his legal expertise and commitment to community and business interests. Otera oversees legal matters for the port and works with various entities to ensure compliance with regulations. His recognition highlights the impact of solid legal counsel in fostering a thriving business environment in the region.
Los Angeles – Steve Otera, General Counsel of the Port of Los Angeles, has been honored with the Corporate Counsel Award in the non-profit/government/municipal category by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This prestigious award acknowledges outstanding corporate counsel who have made significant contributions to the Los Angeles community and its business sector.
Otera’s accolades are a testament to his extensive expertise and commitment to legal practices associated with port operations. He has been with the Port of Los Angeles for over 23 years, demonstrating a deep understanding of the legal frameworks that govern the port’s activities. His leadership as General Counsel, a position he assumed in 2022, involves managing all legal matters pertaining to the City of Los Angeles Harbor Department.
In his role, Otera supervises a team of attorneys who provide legal advice to several key organizations, including the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners, the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, and the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility. His responsibilities are crucial in ensuring that legal compliance and regulatory requirements are met within the port’s operations.
Before taking on the role of General Counsel, Otera served as an Assistant City Attorney assigned to the Port, where he managed the in-house legal services staff. His background includes over ten years of experience in private practice, which has further enriched his competency in legal matters. Otera has also been the Director of Legal Compliance and Education at the Legal Research Network (LRN) and has worked as an associate attorney for various local law firms.
Otera holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. His educational background and extensive career in legal practice give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the port sector.
The Port of Los Angeles, one of the largest and busiest ports in the United States, plays a vital role in the economy of not just Los Angeles but the entire nation. Otera’s legal guidance is essential in navigating the complexities of maritime law and ensuring that the port’s operations align with both state and federal regulations.
The Corporate Counsel Award highlights Otera’s dedication to his role, reflecting the importance of strong legal counsel in fostering a thriving business environment. His recognition by the Los Angeles Business Journal brings attention to the integral part that effective legal strategies play in the successful operation of municipal and government entities.
With Otera at the helm of legal affairs, the Port of Los Angeles is well-positioned to address future challenges, maintain compliance with evolving regulations, and support the continued growth and efficiency of port operations. His contributions promise to have a lasting impact on both the community and the business sector linked to the port.
As the port approaches new milestones in its evolution, Otera’s leadership and expertise will undoubtedly continue to guide its legal framework, ensuring that operational goals align with stringent legal standards and community interests.
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Additional Resources
- DredgeWire: Port of Los Angeles Lead Attorney Steve Otera Named Corporate Counsel of the Year
- Wikipedia: Port of Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Business Journal
- Google Search: Corporate Counsel Award
- Wikipedia: Maritime law
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Los Angeles
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