William U. Onuoha
Jamaica Plain,MA
Summary
Resourceful Assistant General Counsel known for exceptional productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in contract negotiation, legal compliance, and risk management. Excel in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, utilizing these soft skills to successfully navigate complex legal landscapes and deliver strategic advice.
Overview
7
7
years of post-secondary education
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Counsel & Director of Safety
Boston Water & Sewer Commission
Boston, MA
10.2022 - Current
- Oversaw the safety department and ensured compliance with federal, state, and municipal safety regulations from OSHA and the Department of Labor Standards.
- Provided legal advice on regulatory compliance for environmental standards.
- Drafted legal documents for regulatory compliance and contract negotiations.
- Provided legal advice on water and sewer regulations to internal departments.
- Reviewed contracts to ensure adherence to state and federal laws.
- Assisted in dispute resolution processes involving municipal services.
- Collaborated with external counsel on litigation matters and strategy development.
- Conducted research on legal issues affecting public utilities operations.
- Developed training materials for staff on legal compliance topics.
- Reviewed and drafted legal documents, such as contracts, memoranda of understanding, and settlement agreements.
- Developed strategies to resolve complex legal disputes through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution methods.
- Assisted in the development of company policies that comply with local laws and regulations.
- Examined potential risks associated with new products and services prior to launch.
- Researched case law related to pending litigation matters involving the company.
- Investigated allegations of misconduct or violations of policy by employees.
- Monitored changes in legislation affecting operations or services provided by the organization.
- Provided advice to senior management on a range of regulatory, commercial and contractual matters.
- Represented the organization at hearings before administrative agencies or tribunals.
- Advocated for the organization's interests during negotiations with government officials.
- Argued clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form.
- Interpreted recent court opinions and current legal research to remain current with developments.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay abreast of legal trends, court decisions, and best practices in the legal field.
Executive Director/ Commissioner
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF FAIR HOUSING AND CIVIL RIGHTS
Boston, MA
01.2018 - 10.2022
Executive Deputy Commissioner/ Director of Housing
INSPECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Boston, USA
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Oversaw daily activities of 40 unionized employees to ensure productivity and compliance with labor agreements.
- Managed daily operations of department, ensuring alignment with housing regulations and community needs
- Enforce State Sanitary Code to ensure safe, sanitary, and code compliant housing throughout the City of Boston
- Implement City of Boston’s Rental Inspection, Senior Security, and Housing Delivery Standards Ordinances, and State Sanitary Code
- Analyzed and evaluated housing department policies and procedures, recommending strategic changes to enhance compliance and effectiveness
- Create monthly reports to track progress of implementation of rental ordinance for Commissioner and Cabinet Chief
- Oversee condemnation process of housing unfit for human habitation and report to Commissioner, City agencies, and elected officials (upon inquiry)
- Facilitated staff trainings on state and city regulations, improving team knowledge and adherence to housing mandates
- Collaborate with other City agencies/ departments to address housing issues
- Oversee and manage department's budget
- Conduct hearings on sanitary code violations against landlords
- Attend court proceedings to defend departments' issuances of fines
- Maintain relationships and program collaborations with Boston Public Health Commission
- Attended community meetings to address housing concerns and promote housing initiatives
- Perform quarterly audits on departments' case loads
- Negotiated contracts with union representatives to establish fair terms and conditions for employees. for the department
- Maintained compliance with memorandums of agreement to ensure effective collaboration with city agencies. of agreement (MOA) with city agencies
- Boston, MA
City/Government Relations
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Boston, USA
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Cultivated relationships with opinion leaders in surrounding community to enhance collaboration and support for university initiatives
- Coordinated zoning and licensing permits for various university departments to ensure compliance and operational efficiency
- Interpret, and maintain memorandums of understanding between public agencies and universities
- Established and maintained procurement partnerships with local businesses to foster community engagement and resource sharing
- Created and updated documentation for risk management processes to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Risk Management - draft and revise documentation
- Boston, MA
District Liaison – Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services
OFFICE OF MAYOR THOMAS M. MENINO
Boston, USA
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Work directly with Mayor Menino and senior administration officials on issues impacting District 8 including business and residential development, and transportation
- Serve as Mayor Menino’s liaison for all residents, businesses, and elected officials in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Fenway and Mission Hill.
- Facilitated neighborhood meetings to address city services, zoning, and licensing issues, fostering community engagement
- Facilitated neighborhood gatherings to promote dialogue on local concerns and solutions. to address city services, zoning, and licensing
- Planned and promoted community events and city programming, enhancing neighborhood involvement and awareness
- Handled emergency responses for the district, addressing incidents such as crime, fires, and water main breaks.
- Prepared, scheduled, briefed, and accompanied Mayor Menino to events and meetings, ensuring effective representation of administration priorities
- Testified to city agencies on behalf of Mayor Menino regarding policy issues to various city agencies and regulatory hearing boards.
- Boston, MA
Assistant to Dean of Students, Judicial Clerk
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Amherst, USA
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Schedule and conduct suspension /expulsion hearings with Dean
- Advised Dean on disciplinary actions to uphold student code of conduct
- Coordinated and facilitated suspension/expulsion hearings with Dean to ensure fair processes
- Draft, and present student code of conduct to incoming freshmen
- Delivered judicial training for all resident life staff to enhance understanding of conduct policies
- Amherst, MA
Intern
MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE
North Hampton, USA
01.2005 - 08.2005
- Observed Lt. John Gibbons on crime scene investigations
- Attended court sessions with Assistant District Attorneys
- Coordinated community outreach events to engage constituents and foster community relations.
- Conducted research on legislative issues affecting local communities.
- Drafted correspondence and communications to enhance public engagement initiatives.
- Supported office operations by handling administrative tasks, maintaining daily log for state troopers, and creating PowerPoint presentation for crime workshops.
- North Hampton, MA
Intern
REP. JEFFREY SANCHEZ
Boston, USA
06.2003 - 09.2003
- Addressed constituent inquiries in a timely manner
- Assisted in speech writing and coordinated schedule to optimize preparation
- Boston, MA
Education
Juris Doctorate - Magna Cum Lude
NEW ENGLAND SCHOOL OF LAW
Boston, MA 08.2012 - 05.2016
Counter Intelligence/ Homeland Security - Counter Terrorism
FBI Citizens Academy/ Boston
04.2011 - 06.2011
Bachelors of Arts - Political Science: International Relations
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, AMHERST
AmherstInternational Certificate Diploma -
BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SNOWDEN INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Boston, MA 09.1997 - 01.2001
Skills
- Dispute management
- Regulatory analysis
- Contract negotiation
- Litigation strategy
- Regulatory compliance
- Legal research
- Risk assessment
- Litigation strategy
- Policy development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Employee training
- Strategic planning
- Election law compliance
- International relations
- Grassroots organizing
- Debate preparation
- Policy drafting
- Fundraising strategies
- Crisis management
- Message development
- Political risk assessment
- Government relations
- Lobbying techniques
- Opposition research
- Political networking
- Media relations
- Ethics compliance
- Public speaking
- Accident investigation
- Report preparation
- Conflict de-escalation
- Security management
- Integrity and ethics
- Emergency response coordination
- Emergency and non-emergency response
- Safety protocols
- Investigation leadership
- Client relationship management
- Budget management
Boards And Affiliations
- Member, Student Bar Association
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Mission Grammar School
- Member, YMCA of Greater Boston
- Trustee, Boston Groundwater Trust
- FBI Citizens’ Academy Program
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc
- Mentor & Past Member Upward Bound College Preparatory Program.
Timeline
Assistant General Counsel & Director of Safety
Boston Water & Sewer Commission
10.2022 - Current
Executive Director/ Commissioner
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF FAIR HOUSING AND CIVIL RIGHTS
01.2018 - 10.2022
Executive Deputy Commissioner/ Director of Housing
INSPECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
01.2015 - 01.2018
Juris Doctorate - Magna Cum Lude
NEW ENGLAND SCHOOL OF LAW
08.2012 - 05.2016
City/Government Relations
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
01.2012 - 01.2015
Counter Intelligence/ Homeland Security - Counter Terrorism
FBI Citizens Academy/ Boston
04.2011 - 06.2011
District Liaison – Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services
OFFICE OF MAYOR THOMAS M. MENINO
01.2006 - 01.2012
Assistant to Dean of Students, Judicial Clerk
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
01.2006 - 01.2012
Intern
MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE
01.2005 - 08.2005
Intern
REP. JEFFREY SANCHEZ
06.2003 - 09.2003
International Certificate Diploma -
BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SNOWDEN INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
09.1997 - 01.2001
Bachelors of Arts - Political Science: International Relations
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, AMHERST