Agency Attorney I-II-III

Non-represented positions are eligible for telework one day per week. New non-represented employees may apply for telework 30 days after their effective date of hire. Union-represented titles are not eligible for telework.

About the role

This position is responsible for directly handling and overseeing outside counsel that manages a high volume of personal injury and property damage claims and lawsuits brought in state and federal courts against MTA agencies. The successful candidate will have experience in all phases of tort litigation and will work independently and collaboratively with senior management to carry out litigation strategies designed to reduce tort exposure.

Responsibilities

• Handle high-volume personal injury and/or property damage claims during all phases of litigation, including hearings, depositions, discovery, substantive and procedural motion practice, court conferences, settlement negotiations, and trials.
• Conduct legal research; draft pleadings, discovery responses, motions, memoranda, and internal reports.
• Handle court appearances, including status and settlement conferences, oral arguments, and trials; attend mediations.
• Accurately assess liability and damages exposures and make and review appropriate reserve and settlement recommendations.
• Keep senior management informed of case status and consult with them to develop and carry out litigation strategies designed to reduce tort exposure.
• Effectively communicate and interact with external departments (e.g., operations, courts).
• Provide guidance and direction to in-house legal staff.
• Assist in the business goals of the MTA Legal Department as required by the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel – Torts.
• Work independently and collaboratively as part of a litigation team.
• Perform other duties as assigned by senior management.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar; and either:
  • One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
  • Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Intern.
• Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
• For assignment to Agency Attorney II: one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.
• For assignment to Agency Attorney III: two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of local, State, and Federal substantive and procedural laws and regulations impacting tort litigation.
• Experience defending municipalities, corporate entities, and/or common carriers.
• Experience litigating tort claims involving motor vehicle accidents and premises liability.

Skills

• Proven ability to manage and handle a high-volume, varied tort caseload from inception to resolution.
• Ability to function independently and collaboratively as part of a litigation team under pressure and tight time constraints.
• Sound judgment and excellent analytical, verbal, writing, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to build and develop professional relationships necessary for litigation (e.g., clients, adversaries, judiciary).
• Ability to evaluate, devise, and implement litigation strategies.
• Forensic analysis of medical records and varied technical information.
• Proficiency in all types of research, including legal research engines, general internet searches, and investigative searches.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Pay

• Agency Attorney I: $110,000 – $115,000
• Agency Attorney II: $120,000 – $125,000
• Agency Attorney III: $130,000 – $140,000

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law and the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policy-making position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government.