Associate Counsel

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The Associate Counsel II reports directly to the Deputy Counsel.  This position is responsible for legal advice, counsel and assistance to Capital Metro staff and the Board Members regarding general and transportation law under the supervision of the Deputy Counsel. Responsible for the provision of legal advice and services related to all legal matters of the Authority, with an emphasis on procurements and agreements; real estate transactions; open government laws and compliance; litigation management; employment law; internal agency policy development; and research.  

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Note: The duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. 

• Advise staff regarding general legal matters that arise pertaining to Capital Metro.
• Negotiate agreements and draft related documents related to the Authority’s ongoing and proposed real property interests and real estate transactions, including preparation of license agreements, leases, deeds of trust, easements, releases and other documents.
• Draft and review a variety of legal documents, including agency policies, contracts, and agreements for all departments.
• Monitor and direct activities of outside legal counsel in litigation representing Authority’s interest; and negotiate settlement as appropriate.
• Oversee fulfillment of Public Information Act requests, including reviewing documents for responsiveness and exceptions, reviewing and drafting arguments to the Attorney General and advising Authority staff regarding the law.
• Provide direction and advice to staff regarding employment law, personnel management, and compliance with applicable state & federal regulations and laws.
• Provide direction and advice on governmental statutes, regulations or policies impacting Authority programs, practices, and activities.
• Perform legal research and provide written legal opinions and advice to staff and Board of Directors as appropriate. 
• Provide direction and advice on litigation risks associated with claims asserted, proposed programs and projects, and contractual activities.
• Engage contractors and vendors on contractual and legal matters pertaining to business with Capital Metro.
• Read and review statutes, legal opinions, and other documents to maintain knowledge of local, state and federal legislation and jurisprudence affecting the Authority’s operations, programs, and activities.
• Comply with records management standards and company policy.
• Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by following safety and security policies, considering safety in every action and reporting safety and security concerns.
• Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.  
  
   

WHAT YOU BRING

• Juris doctorate from an ABA accredited law school and a licensed member of the Texas State Bar.
• Five (5) years active practice of law. 
• Two (2) years of procurement and contracting experience.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: tort litigation, public law, contracts, real estate, or employment law.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; interpersonal skills; and analytical skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with employees, managers, the Board, outside attorneys, and the public.
• Knowledge of public sector laws, regulations and familiarity with federal, state, and local transportation statutes and regulations.
• Skills in use of personal computer using word processing, spreadsheet applications and computerized legal research.
• Skill in analyzing facts, legal commitment and impact, precedent, organizing information and interpreting and applying legal principles to complex legal issues.
• Skill in preparing and presenting written and oral legal opinions, advice, and counsel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
Work is generally performed in an office environment in which there is only minimal exposure to unpleasant and/or hazardous working conditions. This position works with multiple project timelines and is responsible for managing employees performing work of a complex nature. 

Incumbent must have the ability to stand and sit frequently throughout an eight-hour period, reach vertically for overhead use as well as horizontally. Must be able to use a telephone or headset equipment. 
Incumbent must be able to lift and move material weighing up to 20 lbs., perform work at a computer terminal for 6-8 hours a day, and function in an environment with constant interruptions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions as previously described.

Mobility Status:
As a Stationed position, the incumbent is expected to be assigned an individual workspace. Expected to work in the office 4 days a week. This role is based in Austin, Texas and requires relocation to the Austin, Texas area prior to start date.