Special Counsel

Opening:

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.

Job Summary:

The Special Counsel to the MTA General Counsel is a senior member of the consolidated MTA Legal Department who reports to the MTA General Counsel and provides legal counsel, support, and direction regarding novel matters that pertain to or impact policy and programmatic issues and initiatives of the MTA and MTA Legal Department. The Special Counsel provides strategic legal advice and works in partnership with the MTA General Counsel, First Deputy General Counsels, Agency General Counsels (NYCTA, LIRR, MNR and TBTA) and other executive staff.

Responsibilities:

Provide strategic legal advice on interagency and intra-agency initiatives to resolve complex issues.
Advise on critical time-sensitive matters including cybersecurity breaches and legislative responses.
Assist operating agencies with novel legal matters by coordinating appropriate resources.
Support the development and issuance of policies and procedures for operational and administrative concerns.
Provide guidance to litigation and transactional practices at the direction of the General Counsel.
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all policies and standards
May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Strong leadership and management skills, with a track record of leading a team of legal professionals, managing large projects and advising an organization’s senior management
Experience in matters involving interagency coordination or crisis management
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface effectively with all levels of the MTA and external parties, including high-profile government officials
Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills
Skilled in recommending, shaping, and supporting policies and procedures across a wide range of operational and administrative areas
Ability to identify and coordinate appropriate resources to address novel and complex matters across MTA agencies
Litigation Support
Transactional Law

Required Education and Experience:

JD from an accredited law school.
Minimum 10 years of Legal experience.
Bar Admission. Licensed to practice law in New York.

The Following is/are preferred:

Minimum 8 years of demonstrated experience in both transactional and litigation practice
Minimum 8 years combination of law firm and in-house experience
Minimum 8 years of public sector legal experience, particularly in New York City or New York State
Skilled in recommending, shaping, and supporting policies and procedures across a wide range of operational and administrative areas