The Port of Oakland has appointed a veteran lawyer involved in every port’s major project over the last 13 years, Mary Richardson, as the new port attorney.
Richardson who will take over duties on 31 December, will succeed Michele Heffes who is retiring. The appointment was made on 16 December, in the regular board meeting.
As the port’s attorney, Richardson, who was previously assistant port attorney, will manage a professional staff of attorneys, legal assistants and secretaries responsible for advising port management on a range of critical legal matters, according to a statement.
In addition, the Port Attorney’s Office assists in contract negotiations, litigation and coordination with other public agencies, among other things.
“Mary has been involved in every important undertaking at the Port as far back as I can remember,” said Port of Oakland executive director, Danny Wan, who added, “We’re counting on her talent and experience as we map out our future.”
Richardson has provided legal counsel to the US port on key projects, including negotiations to build Cool Port and the Seaport Logistics Complex, grant funding for the shore power program at the port’s marine terminals to reduce pollution, as well as Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) connector and International Arrivals Building at Oakland International Airport.
She earned her law degree from the University of California Hastings College of the Law and she is also a graduate of Cornell University. Her career in Oakland began as a deputy port attorney in 2008.
