News Summary
Steve Otera, General Counsel for the Port of Los Angeles, receives the Corporate Counsel Award from the Los Angeles Business Journal for his significant contributions to the city’s legal framework. Otera’s expertise and dedication over his 23-year career at the port have underscored the essential role of legal guidance in supporting operations. His leadership since becoming General Counsel in 2022 reflects his commitment to legal integrity and operational efficiency, highlighting the importance of sound counsel in public service and community well-being.
Los Angeles – Steve Otera, General Counsel for the Port of Los Angeles, has been honored with the Corporate Counsel Award by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This prestigious award is given annually in the non-profit/government/municipal category, recognizing the significant impact of corporate counsel in the Los Angeles community and business sector.
Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, acknowledged Otera’s legal expertise and his thorough understanding of both legal frameworks and port operations, highlighting the value he brings through his work. Otera’s exceptional contributions during his 23-year tenure at the port were noted as a key factor in receiving this honor.
Otera’s role as General Counsel began in 2022, during which he oversees all legal matters related to the City of Los Angeles Harbor Department. His responsibilities include supervising attorneys who provide legal advice to several key entities, including the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners, the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, and the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility. This position places him at the forefront of important legal decisions affecting one of the busiest ports in the United States.
Prior to becoming General Counsel, Otera served as an Assistant City Attorney specifically assigned to the Port, further showcasing his extensive experience and dedication to the legal intricacies of port operations. He has over a decade of experience in private practice, which includes a notable role as Director of Legal Compliance and Education at LRN. His legal acumen has also been honed through his work as an associate attorney at various local law firms before his ongoing career at the Port of Los Angeles.
Otera’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, solidifying his professional qualifications and commitment to legal excellence.
The Corporate Counsel Award reflects Otera’s commitment to promoting legal integrity and operational efficiency within the Port of Los Angeles. His work supports the broader goals of enhancing the port’s operational standards while ensuring compliance with legal regulations, which is crucial for maintaining the port’s status as a vital economic hub.
The recognition provided by the Los Angeles Business Journal not only celebrates Otera’s individual accomplishments but also underscores the critical link between legal guidance and successful operations in governmental and municipal entities. As the award highlights the contributions of legal professionals to public service, it reinforces the importance of sound legal counsel in facilitating effective governance and community well-being.
Overall, Steve Otera exemplifies the vital role that corporate counsel plays in shaping the policies and operations of significant civic institutions, contributing immensely to the legal foundations upon which the Port of Los Angeles operates.
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