Senior Counsel, Transactions - Procurement & Contracts

Description

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.

Overview Of Division And Position

The MTA Legal Department’s Procurement & Contracts Division is seeking a Senior Counsel I, II, or III to join the team, depending on their experience level as described below. The Procurement & Contracts Division provides legal, transactional and strategic advice to the MTA, its subsidiaries and affiliates, on a broad range of matters critical to the MTA's planning and operations, including enterprise-wide contract negotiations for goods, services and public works. A Senior Counsel In The Procurement & Contracts Division Is a Senior-level Position With Primary Responsibility For Protecting And Preserving The MTA's Legal Interests On a Wide Array Of Procurement, Sourcing, Contracting And Commercial Matters.

Specific Responsibilities

• Drafting solicitations and negotiating terms and conditions for a variety of MTA procurement and interagency agreements, including the purchase of goods, services, hardware, software, infrastructure and equipment contracts.
• Analyzing and/or drafting agency rules, policies and procedures, Analyzing proposed or enacted legislation, as well as any municipal, state or federal rule or regulation involving or affecting the agencies.
• Collaborating with, and/or supervising, outside counsel and MTA junior attorneys, and Advising mid-level and senior management on issues of risk mitigation, contractor responsibility, and contract disputes, as required.

Description, Responsibilities & Requirements of a Senior Counsel – Transactions (by Level I, II or II)

The Senior Counsel, Transactions position reports a Deputy General Counsel or Assistant Deputy General Counsel in a Transactions Division in the consolidated MTA Legal Department. The current Transactions Divisions are the: 1) Condemnation Division, 2) Environmental Division, 3) Finance Division, 4) Procurement and Contracts Division, 5) Real Estate Development Division, 6) Real Estate Transactions and Operations Division, and 7) Special Projects Division. Depending on the needs of the Legal Department and the Division, the duties of the Senior Counsel include representing the MTA and its operating agencies in transactions (contracts, agreements and associated documentation), client counseling, compliance, negotiations, dispute resolution, risk management, and (for Environmental & Condemnation Divisions) litigation matters which are of increasing complexity and involve increasing levels of responsibility and independence.

Education And Experience

• Required Education And Experience: JD from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in New York. A minimum of five (5) years of relevant law firm, public sector legal or in-house experience.
• Preferred Experience: Public sector legal experience, particularly in New York City or New York State. Transportation sector experience. History of successfully supervising or mentoring junior attorneys. Record of communicating with and advising and organization’s senior management.

Required Competencies

• Strong legal research and writing ability.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface effectively with people at all levels of the organization and external parties.
• Demonstrated knowledge base and practice skills relating to the various practice areas and responsibilities of this position.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.

Other Information

• May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends).
• Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According 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 those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.