Job Information
MTA Senior Associate Counsel- Litigation in New York, New York
Senior Associate Counsel- Litigation
Job ID: 10548
Business Unit: MTA Headquarters
Location: New York, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: Commercial Litigation
Date Posted: Feb 14, 2025
Description
JOB TITLE : Senior Associate Counsel - Litigation
SALARY RANGE : $160,000 - $166,000
HAY POINTS : 1056
DEPT/DIV : Legal
SUPERVISOR : Deputy General Counsel/Unit Chief
LOCATION : 2 Broadway
HOURS OF WORK : 9 :00 am - 5:30 pm (7 1/2 hours/day)
DEADLINE : Until Filled
This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.
SUMMARY:
This position will provide support to the Deputy General Counsel/Unit Chief and will handle litigation in federal and state courts on behalf of the MTA involving, among other things, commercial, labor and employment, real estate, torts, intellectual property, and civil rights/constitutional law matters.
The position requires a high level of litigation expertise. The individual must have strong knowledge of federal and state court procedures and rules of practice and must stay informed concerning the latest court decisions that may impact litigation practice. The individual will provide senior management and others at the MTA with legal advice.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The incumbent represents the MTA and its officers and employees in litigation matters, in administrative tribunals and state and federal court, on a variety of matters, which may include commercial, labor and employment, tort, pension, FOIL, intellectual property, constitutional, and civil rights matters. The work includes all phases of litigation, from notice of claim, through discovery, motion practice, trial, appeal, and settlement, where appropriate.
The incumbent will provide legal advice and counsel on complex and complicated matters that arise in connection with litigation or are presented by management. This will include recommendations on policy, procedures, and general legal matters as well as advise on litigation matters.
Provide legal advice to management regarding statutory and regulatory matters that impact the MTA’s operations.
The incumbent will handle investigations into complex matters that pertain to litigation and present findings and recommendations to management.
Direction and review of various MTA projects and identify any areas of concern from a legal perspective.
The incumbent will assist in the business goals of the MTA Legal Department in whatever manner as required by the General Counsel.
In addition to directly handling litigation matters, the incumbent may supervise the work of other MTA attorneys and paralegals, as well as outside counsel.
The incumbent supports the General Counsel in providing legal advice and counsel on such matters as federal and state regulatory compliance, ethics, Freedom of Information Law requests, corporate governance, and legislation.
Assists in the preparation of internal and external litigation reports.
Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
Other duties as assigned by senior management.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Excellent negotiating, drafting, and practice-management skills and business judgment.
Demonstrated ability to work independently on contract negotiations of significant size and complexity, manage multiple projects and clients in a fast-paced environment, and work on a multi-disciplinary team.
Demonstrated ability to implement, manage, organize, and update real estate legal documentation form files and database.
Strong interpersonal, analytical, problem solving, organizational, drafting and communication skills.
Ability to identify creative, business-oriented solutions to legal and business risks.
Intellectual curiosity and a desire to continue to learn and think creatively.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including the MTA Board.
Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: REQUIRED
Law Degree. Must possess a NYS license to practice law.
Minimum six (6) years’ experience of legal experience involving general litigation or corporate and transactional matters is required.
Experience in federal and state court litigation and negotiating settlements.
Experience with Article 78 proceedings is desirable.
PREFERRED:
Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining procedures.
OTHER INFORMATION:
Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission")
Equal Employment Opportunity
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.