Deputy General Counsel (0013) - Litigation

Opening Date: 09/29/2026 – Closing Date: 10/13/2026 | Job Grade: SAM 44

About the role

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth‑largest transportation system in the U.S., serving a 2,200‑square‑mile region and driving economic growth in Philadelphia. Recognized as a 2023 FORBES Best in State Employer and Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024, SEPTA seeks a Deputy General Counsel‑Litigation to manage its tort litigation docket (approximately 700–800 open cases), lead an in‑house litigation team of about thirty attorneys and support staff, and report directly to the General Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Advise General Counsel on new case law affecting SEPTA.
• Assign all new cases to staff attorneys.
• Decide which cases should be sent to outside counsel due to complexity or exposure.
• Conduct case conferences and determine settlement authority or trial authorization.
• Ensure attorneys prepare cases appropriately.
• Direct and manage the Litigation staff.
• Negotiate complex cases and cases involving multiple plaintiffs.
• Supervise outside counsel in coordination with the Claims Director.
• Coordinate with the Claims Department to settle cases before assignment.
• Attend conferences to advise the Claims Department on individual cases not yet in suit.
• Handle disciplinary matters or performance issues involving litigation staff.
• In coordination with Governmental Affairs, monitor legislation affecting SEPTA’s legal defenses (e.g., immunity, statutory caps on damages).
• Participate in committees with the local judiciary to provide SEPTA’s opinions on prospective court policies.
• Provide legal advice as requested by General Counsel.
• Attend General Counsel’s Executive Committee meetings, offering advice on departmental policy.
• Monitor the caseload of staff attorneys to ensure appropriate representation.
• Comply with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures; report safety concerns, compromises, or hazards.
• Perform other assignments as directed.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District.
• Minimum 10 years of full‑time practice handling all aspects of tort cases, including jury trials.
• Experience with post‑trial issues and appellate practice.
• Proven experience managing attorneys overseeing all litigation aspects, including negotiating final settlements.
• Demonstrated supervisory/leadership ability.
• Ability to communicate and provide sound legal advice.
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills; executive presence required.
• Strong organizational skills to manage numerous projects and cases simultaneously.

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for document creation, data analysis, and presentation delivery.
• Skilled in using Microsoft 365 applications, including advanced Excel functions, Word formatting, and Outlook email management.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
• Work‑Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
• Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well‑being.
• Invest in Your Growth – Tuition reimbursement to support education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to help manage and reduce student debt