Special Counsel

Opening:

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.

Position Objective:

The Special Counsel to the MTA General Counsel is a senior member of the consolidated MTA Legal Department who reports to the MTA General Counsel and provides legal counsel, support, and direction regarding novel matters that pertain to or impact policy and programmatic issues and initiatives of the MTA and MTA Legal Department.   The Special Counsel provides strategic legal advice and works in partnership with the MTA General Counsel, First Deputy General Counsel, Agency General Counsels (NYCTA, LIRR, MNR, and TBTA), and other executive staff.

Responsibilities:

The Special Counsel to the MTA General Counsel will:

• Participate in and support the development and implementation of interagency and intra-agency initiatives addressing complex legal, operational, and/or administrative issues. 
• Provide legal advice and counsel on matters involving critical time-sensitive issues such as cybersecurity breaches, safety and security matters, and responses to proposed legislation.
• Assist the MTA operating agencies with novel legal and programmatic matters and coordinate the appropriate resources to handle such matters.
• Recommend and support the issuance of policies and procedures involving a wide range of operational and administrative concerns. 
• Provide general support to the MTA General Counsel in furtherance of the business goals of the MTA Legal Department.
• At the direction of the MTA General Counsel, provide support to the MTA First Deputy General Counsel for Litigation and Transactional matters,  Agency General Counsels, and/or the MTA Deputy General Counsel Unit Chiefs in the litigation and transactional practice areas.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong leadership and management skills, with a track record of leading a team of legal professionals, managing large projects, and advising an organization’s senior management.
• Experience in matters involving interagency coordination or crisis management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface effectively with all levels of the MTA and external parties, including high-profile government officials.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.

Required Education and Experience:

• JD from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in New York. 
• A minimum of ten years of legal experience is required. 

The Following is/are preferred:

• A combination of Law firm and in-house experience.
• Public sector legal experience, particularly in New York City or New York State.
• Demonstrated experience in both transactional and litigation practice.

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.