Associate Counsel

Description

This position is eligible for telework. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Overview of Division and Position:

The MTA Legal Department’s Procurement & Contracts Division seeks to hire an Associate Counsel I, II, or III to join the team, depending on their experience level as described below.

The Procurement & Contracts Division provides legal, transactional and strategic advice to the MTA, its subsidiaries and affiliates, for a broad range of procurement, sourcing, contracting and commercial matters critical to the MTA’s operations, including enterprise-wide contract negotiations for goods, services and public works.

As an Associate Counsel in the Procurement & Contracts Division, you will be responsible for a wide range of procurement and transactional matters including:

• the drafting of solicitations for the MTA agencies as well as the negotiation of terms and conditions and other contract-related documents for a wide range of MTA procurements and inter-agency agreements including, but not limited to, those for purchases of goods, services, hardware, software, infrastructure and equipment contracts. 
• the analysis of proposed or enacted legislation, or any municipal, state or federal rule or regulation involving or affecting the agencies, and
• issues of risk mitigation, contractor responsibility, and contract disputes, as required.

An Associate Counsel may, depending on the matter assigned, be asked to work collaboratively with:

• MTA Legal Department Deputy General Counsels and all MTA Legal Department professional and administrative staff.
• MTA Departments and Units/Offices, including Accessibility, Audit, Communications, Compliance/Ethics, Diversity and Civil Rights, Finance, Information Technology, Labor Relations, People, Procurement, Strategic Initiatives, and System Safety.
• Senior staff at New York City Transit, Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road, Bridges and Tunnels, and Construction and Development.
• Federal, State or local administrative agencies.
• Office of the MTA Inspector General.
• MTA’s labor partners.

The ideal candidate will have public sector legal experience in New York City and/or New York State.

Description, Responsibilities & Requirements of an Associate Counsel – Transactions (by Level I, II or III)

The Associate Counsel, Transactions position reports to a Deputy General Counsel or Assistant Deputy General Counsel in a Transactions Divisions in the consolidated MTA Legal Department. The current Transactions Divisions are the: 1) Condemnation Division, 2) Environmental Division, 3) Finance Division, 4) Procurement and Contracts Division, 5) Real Estate Development Division, 6) Real Estate Transactions and Operations Division, and 7) Special Projects Division.

Depending on the needs of the Legal Department and the Division, the duties of the Associate Counsel include representing the MTA and its operating agencies in transactions (contracts, agreements and associated documentation), client counseling, compliance, negotiations, dispute resolution, risk management, and (for Environmental and Condemnation Divisions) litigation matters, which are of increasing complexity and involve increasing levels of responsibility and independence . The duties of the Associate Counsel also include providing legal counsel on statutory, regulatory, agency policy, and other matters that pertain to or impact the operations and functions of the MTA and its affiliates and subsidiaries.

Associate Counsel – Levels I, II, and III

There are three levels of Associate Counsel positions within the Legal Department, each with progressively greater responsibilities. Depending on the level, responsibilities include:

• Level I: Assist senior attorneys with contract reviews, negotiations, and transactional support; conduct legal research; draft routine agreements; and manage deadlines across assigned matters. Gain exposure to corporate transactions, regulatory compliance, and policy issues under the guidance of experienced counsel.
• Level II: Provide legal representation on matters of ordinary to moderate complexity. Review and draft contracts, support negotiations, conduct legal research, and assist with dispute resolution and litigation tasks. Work with regular supervision while managing deadlines and contributing to diverse legal matters.
• Level III: Handle a demanding docket of matters with moderate complexity and significant sensitivity. Review and draft moderately complex contracts, lead negotiations, advise on agency policies, and participate in dispute resolution. Supervise junior attorneys on select matters and work closely with internal clients to identify and mitigate legal risks.

Education and Experience:

Level I:

Required Education and Experience

• JD from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in New York.  A recent law school graduate who has taken the New York Bar but not yet been admitted to practice in New York may serve in the position at Level 1 for a period not to exceed one year. 

Required Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Strong legal research and writing ability.
• Knowledge base and practice skills relating to the various practice areas and responsibilities of this position.

Levels II-III(In addition to the above):

Required Education and Experience

• A minimum of 1 years of relevant law firm or in-house experience.

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge base and practice skills relating to the various practice areas and responsibilities of this position.

Preferred Experience

• Public sector legal experience, particularly in New York City or New York State.
• Transportation sector experience.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According 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 those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.