Assistant General Counsel

MTA Construction and Development Company (MTA C&D) is the construction arm of the MTA and is responsible for all capital projects for the MTA operating agencies. We seek a practicing attorney who will report to the Deputy General Counsel and be accountable for providing legal counsel, contract management, procurement, risk management, and policy advice to MTA C&D executives and management on a broad range of issues to protect and preserve the agency's legal interests.

About the role

The Assistant General Counsel will handle a wide range of legal topics touching every department within the agency, including construction, real estate, procurement, human resources, program controls, intellectual property, media, and environmental issues. The position will also assist the Deputy General Counsel in addressing complex matters for the General Counsel and agency executives.

The Contracts Department provides legal advice on all construction contracts, litigation and claims, change orders, third-party real estate agreements, condemnation proceedings, human resources, environmental, personal injury, intellectual property, Freedom of Information Law, public relations, legislative matters, and other issues relating to MTA C&D. The department is a service provider to clients within MTA C&D and is responsible for all procurement activities within the agency.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-house legal counsel and business strategies for all activities affecting the agency to help agency executives make business decisions that will protect the agency's legal rights and minimize risk.
• Handle a broad range of practice areas, including real estate acquisitions, construction, contract drafting, federal and state compliance obligations, environmental issues, and human resources matters.
• Draft and review multi-million-dollar construction contracts and design/professional services contracts to ensure compliance with MTA policy and state and federal regulations.
• Interpret and analyze complex technical engineering plans, designs, and specifications to ensure that contract requirements are written to minimize legal risk and contractor claims.
• Analyze construction design plans, specifications, schedules, and estimates to determine the merit of contractor claims and make recommendations on legal strategies for handling claims.
• Represent MTA C&D in dispute resolution proceedings concerning complex construction claims with high values.
• Negotiate multi-million-dollar construction contract changes to preserve the agency's legal rights, minimize delays, and protect the project's budget and schedule.
• Develop and implement a compliance training program for procurement and construction management staff and consultants to ensure conformity with contract requirements, agency policies, and state/federal regulations.
• Represent the agency in complex and sensitive special assignments as requested by the General Counsel.
• Coordinate and monitor work performed by outside counsel.

Requirements

• Law Degree (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to the Bar of the State of New York.
• Minimum of one (1) year of progressively independent legal experience in a law firm, governmental legal office, or a company's in-house legal department. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Background or education in engineering, construction, or architecture is preferred.
• Experience in working on matters involving construction projects and/or real estate, with familiarity with relevant local, state, and federal laws.
• Experience in contract drafting or litigation is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, writing, and communication skills.
• Capable of building and maintaining client relationships.

Pay

Salary range: $109,816 to $137,270.

Schedule

Hours of work: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM or as required (7.5 hours per day). This position is eligible for telework, currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply for telework 30 days after their effective date of hire.

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.