Part-Time Legal Counsel

GENERAL SUMMARY

Responsible for the legal matters of KCATA, working individually and/or collaboratively with the other members of the executive leadership team on a variety of complex public, business and legal issues pertaining to the organization and any affiliates on a reduced schedule. This is a part-time position, requiring approximately 20 hours per week with flexible scheduling available.

STATUS

Part-time Legal Counsel covenants and agrees to devote time and attention to the practice of law for the KCATA, as established by the KCATA’s President and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”). Part-time Legal Counsel will not directly or indirectly render services of a professional nature to or for any person or entity, except as an employee of the KCATA, without the consent of the CEO. Part-time Legal Counsel is an at-will employee. Part-time Legal Counsel may engage in community, non-profit, business, and civic activities unrelated to the KCATA during the Term, so long as such activities do not, in the reasonable opinion of the CEO, interfere with the terms and conditions of his part-time employment or give rise to an actual or perceived conflict of interest with the KCATA.

REPORTING AND SUPERVISION

Part-time Legal Counsel will report to the CEO. Unless otherwise directed in writing, Part-time Legal Counsel will not provide legal advice to the KCATA Board of Commissioners or any committees of the KCATA, nor will Part-time Legal Counsel provide legal services to the constituent KCATA Commissioners. Part-time Legal Counsel will supervise legal counsel engaged to assist in the performance of his duties and assignments and fulfill the legal needs of the KCATA; provided, however, legal counsel engaged by or at the direction of the Board of Commissioners or the CEO will report to the party engaging such attorney.

DUTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS

Part-time Legal Counsel will manage the legal affairs of the KCATA, with the input of the CEO. Part-time Legal Counsel will, subject to advance approval of the CEO and applicable budgets of the KCATA, engage outside counsel to assist Part-time Legal Counsel with performing legal services to the KCATA; attend and facilitate meetings; perform research; draft pleadings and memoranda; render opinions; draft, implement and revise policies and procedures; assist with filings; and provide general legal support to the CEO and other KCATA staff, as directed by the CEO or as is otherwise needed in the normal course of his daily duties, to respond to the legal needs of the KCATA throughout the KCATA District. Subject to the Board

of Commissioners’ directives, the CEO may, from time to time, change the nature and scope of Part-time Legal Counsel’s duties and assignments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

1. Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning, and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.

2. Provides professional advice, counsel, and legal representation to CEO and senior management. Reviews and evaluates issues and proposed actions to determine advisability, consistency with legal standards and KCATA policies, potential consequences, and alternate actions or solutions.

3. Develops and recommends courses of action to accomplish defined objectives, solve identified problems, and respond to questions.

4. Prepares and renders opinions, memoranda, interpretations, resolutions, documents, and correspondence on legal, policy, oversight and supervision of general liability self-insurance, subrogation, workers compensation, and safety programs.

5. Conducts research and analysis on projects, policies, issues, practices, and problems.

6. Attends and participates in meetings, work sessions, and other proceedings of CEO and senior management.

7. Represents the KCATA in legal and other proceedings. Prepares, reviews, signs, and files pleadings and legal documents on behalf of the KCATA and its officials.

8. Conducts investigation, analysis, and evaluations of claims, cases, actions, or proceedings. Develops strategies and recommendations. Appears and makes presentations at proceedings, conducts interviews, and responds to inquiries from officials and citizens.

9. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Work requires managing and monitoring work performance by directing multiple groups of employees across more than one business function within an organization unit (i.e., benefits), including making final decisions on hiring and disciplinary actions, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

· Position has major fiscal responsibility. Is responsible for department-wide financial decisions. Assures that appropriate linkages exist between budget requests and departmental goals and objectives. Monitors budget plan and adjusts as necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

· Juris doctor from an accredited law school.

· At least seven (7) to nine (9) years of related work experience in contract, real estate, or employment law.

· An equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Required Licenses or Certifications

· License to practice law in Kansas, Missouri, and Federal Court.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

· English grammar, spelling, punctuation.

· Principles and practices of basic bookkeeping.

· Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

· Transit and transportation services.

· Principles and practices of budget administration.

· Principles and practices of employee supervision.

· Federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and regulations in a variety of subject matters

· Investigative techniques.

· Policy drafting.

· Legislative process.

Skill in:

· Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships.

· Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.

· Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios.

· Attention to detail.

Ability to:

· Meet schedules and deadlines of the work.

· Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

· Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.

· Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.

· Apply business solutions to legal problems.

· Identify issues and solutions and manage risk associated with daily operations.

· Provide legal services and conduct research.

· Appear before judicial courts and administrative bodies.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

· May work in a normal office environment. Will sometimes be required to work and/or attend meetings or events in public and at all RideKC locations.

· This is a part-time position, requiring approximately 20 hours per week. Flexible scheduling options are available.

· Occasional abnormal hours are expected and required for specific events and to reach all employees.

TRAVEL

· Travel within the metropolitan area is required.

· Occasional travel outside of the region may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

· This position is relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards and is generally sedentary. Incumbents may be required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

· Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE (IF APPLICABLE)

EEO STATEMENT

· KCATA is an equal opportunity employer.