Executive Agency Counsel, Non-Managerial (Level A & B- Litigation)

Job Information:

Title:                            Executive Agency Counsel, Non-Managerial (Level A & B- Litigation)
First date of Posting:  12/21/23
Last date of Posting:   Open till Filled
Authority:                     OA/TA
Department:                General Counsel
Division/Unit:               Torts
Reports to:                  Deputy Executive Assistant General Counsel/Assistant General Counsel (I, II, III)
Work Location:           130 Livingston Street, Brooklyn
Hours of Work:            As required.

Candidates selected for this position on the NYC Transit payroll may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program.  Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program.  For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page

This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

Compensation:

Salary Range:

Executive Agency Counsel, Non-Managerial (Level A): $145,000 - $160,000

Executive Agency Counsel, Non-Managerial (Level B): $165,000 - $175,000

Responsibilities:

SUMMARY:
This senior litigation attorney position is responsible for handling complex, high-exposure personal injury lawsuits brought against MTA agencies during all phases of litigation in state and federal trial courts from inception to resolution.

• Handle, complex, high-exposure personal injury claims during all phases of litigation, including statutory hearings, depositions, discovery, substantive and procedural motion practice, court conferences, settlement negotiations, and trials.
• Critically analyze personal injury claims and develop, implement, and oversee litigation strategies designed to achieve the most favorable and cost-effective resolutions in conformance with the most current legal precedent and ethical considerations.
• Accurately assess liability and damages exposures and make appropriate reserve and settlement recommendations.
• Thoroughly and accurately complete timely factual and legal research, secure relevant evidence, develop trial strategies, interview, and prepare witnesses, conduct onsite inspections, utilize social media, draft jury charges, trial and post-trial motions and memoranda of law.
• Effectively communicate and interact with external departments (i.e.: operations, courts).
• Assist in the business goals of the MTA Legal Dept. in whatever manner as required by the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel - Torts.
• Work independently and collaboratively as part of a litigation team.
• Perform other duties as assigned by senior management

Education and Experience:

1. Level A: A law degree and admission to the Bar of the State of New York. In addition, a minimum of four (4) years of significant litigation or other relevant experience.
2. Level B: A law degree and admission to the Bar of the State of New York. In addition, a minimum of five (5) years of significant litigation or other relevant experience.

PREFERRED

1. Admission to the District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York is desirable.
2. Level A:  A minimum of five (5) years of progressively independent significant tort litigation practice, with experience measured in terms of ultimate responsibility for the handling of sizable numbers of serious matters involving complex claims and catastrophic injuries.
3. Level B:  A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively independent significant tort litigation practice, with experience measured in terms of ultimate responsibility for the handling of sizable numbers of serious matters involving complex claims and catastrophic injuries.
4. Extensive knowledge of local, State and Federal substantive and procedural laws and regulations which impact tort litigation.
5. Experience defending municipalities, corporate entities and/or common carriers and experience litigating tort claims involving motor vehicle accidents and premises liability is strongly preferred.

Desired Skills:

• Proven ability to litigate complex, high exposure varied tort caseload independently and collaboratively as part of a litigation team, under pressure and tight time constraints imposed internally or by the Courts.
• Exceptional analytical, verbal, writing and negotiation skills and proven ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Proven ability to build and develop professional relationships necessary to litigation (i.e.: clients, adversaries, judiciary).
• Proven ability to evaluate, devise and implement litigation strategies designed to reduce tort exposure.
• Proven ability to forensically analyze medical records and varied technical information.
• Ability and command over all types of research including but not limited to legal research engines, general internet searches and investigative searches.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e.: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Selection Method:

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview.

Other Information:
Pursuant 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 with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.