Agency General Counsel- MNR Job ID: 9822Business Unit: MTA HeadquartersLocation: New York, NY, United StatesRegular/Temporary: RegularDepartment: Office MNR General CounselDate Posted: Dec 12, 2024Description JOB TITLE: Agency General Counsel – MNR SALARY RANGE: $210,000 -$230,000 HAY POINTS: 1560 DEPT/DIV: General Counsel SUPERVISOR: General Counsel LOCATION: 420 Lexington Avenue HOURS OF WORK: 8:30 am - 5:00 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: Provides legal advice and counsel to the MTA General Counsel, President MNR, senior staff and MTA senior management and provides strategic direction in all Authority legal matters and issues that may have a wide range of implications for MNR. The position is responsible for protecting and pursuing the legal rights of MNR, as well as advising the General Counsel and MNR Senior Management on legal matters. Serves as the MNR’s ethics officer and Corporate Secretary. RESPONSIBILITIES:
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.
Directs attorneys in providing legal advice, direction to the MTA General Counsel, MNR President, senior staff and MTA senior management in connection with MNR claims, litigation, contracts, projects, initiatives, and activities. Responsible to render formal opinions as to the Agency’s rights and powers, the legality of certain transactions and outstanding litigation or possible unasserted claims. These opinions are relied upon by numerous entities including bond underwriters in connection with the sale of bonds and by outside auditors for MNR and Connecticut Department of Transportation in connection with their review of the affairs of the company. Functions as a member of the senior management team, participating in senior staff meetings with the MNR President, as well as in meetings with operating executives.
The incumbent provides advice and direction to the President and other senior management regarding the implications of all key decisions. This position reports to the MTA General Counsel and will serve as the primary Business Advisor to the MNR President. This position will serve as a manager, along with the other agency General Counsels, of all aspects of the newly consolidated Legal Department, under the direction of the General Counsel.
Provides guidance and counsel to the MTA General Counsel and MNR President and other operating executives to see that MNR operates within the law and that its legal rights are protected. Plans, manages and directs activities of attorneys working on all MTA Legal matters, including supervision of staff and other related responsibilities. Exercise proper judgment in the settlement of claims against MNR to protect its assets and satisfy all rightful claims in the best interest of MNR. Retain outside counsel as necessary to enhance the legal capability of the Department.
Plays a key role in negotiating and maintaining the service contracts with Connecticut for the provision of commuter services on the New Haven Line, and with New Jersey. Transit for service on the Port Jervis and Pascack Valley Lines. The incumbent has key responsibility for interpretation of both contracts. Similarly, the incumbent plays a major role in negotiating trackage rights and other matters with other rail carriers. Serves as the Authority’s Ethics Officer providing and directing attorneys in providing legal advice about conflicts of interest, financial disclosure obligations, outside activity restrictions and the like.
Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Must possess extensive in-depth knowledge of the legal discipline as well as general knowledge of claims and environmental compliance disciplines.
In-depth working knowledge of the MN’s unique role within the MTA in operating and maintaining its facilities in a state good repair while providing substantial financial support for transit, as well as knowledge of the MTA and its other affiliate and subsidiaries.
Ability to deal with the highest levels of the Authority, the MTA and federal and state elected and appointed officials with a high degree of judgment, tact and sensitivity.
Willingness and ability to work with senior staff and others to resolve the systemic conflicts and disputes that arise when departments have competing needs, goals and requirements.
Willingness and ability to meet new challenges by mastering new areas of law and timely implementing complex, high-profile projects with tight schedules and rigorous requirements.
Ability to conduct, and supervise Department attorneys and outside counsel in conducting, litigation including complex cases with potentially significant consequences.
Ability to develop and manage the administration of procurements and resolve related problems.
Ability to manage both Law and Procurement with their diverse issues and staff.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
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(s) of responsibility.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: REQUIRED
Law degree.
Admission to the Bar of the State of New York and comparable federal courts.
Minimum of 12 years’ experience practicing public sector law in New York State.
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.