Assistant Port Attorney Mary Richardson was recently named the Port of Oakland’s new port attorney, taking over for the retiring Michele Heffes.
In her new role, Richardson will oversee the port’s staff of lawyers, legal assistants and secretaries and advise on contract talks and other legal issues related to the port.
For the last 13 years, Richardson has been involved in the legalities of some of the port’s biggest projects, including talks to construct Cool Port and the Seaport Logistics Complex and grant funding that would allow for shore power at marine terminals.
“Mary has been involved in every important undertaking at the port as far back as I can remember,” said port Executive Director Danny Wan. “We’re counting on her talent and experience as we map out our future.”
Richardson, who graduated from Cornell University and earned her law degree from the University of California Hastings College of the Law, joined Oakland as a deputy port attorney in 2008.