Job ID: 8079 Business Unit: New York City Transit Location: Brooklyn, NY, United States Regular/Temporary: Regular Department: General Law & Contracts Date Posted: Nov 6, 2024
Description Job Information Executive Agency Counsel, Non-Managerial (Level A & B)-Appeals First Date of Posting: 7/10/2024 Last Date of Posting: Open Until Filled Authority: OA/TA Department: General Counsel Division/Unit: Torts Reports to: Deputy Executive Assistant General Counsel-Appeals Work Location: 130 Livingston Street, Brooklyn Hours of Work: As required This position on the NYC Transit payroll is competitive and is eligible for the 55-a Program. This position is open to qualified persons who 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 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. Union represented titles are not eligible for telework. Compensation Executive Agency Counsel, Non-Managerial (Level A): $145,000-$160,000 Executive Agency Counsel, Non-Managerial (Level B): $165,00 - $175,000 Summary This position is responsible for handling matters brought in state and federal trial and appellate courts related to varied tort claims involving MTA and its agencies. The successful candidate will have significant experience in all phases of tort litigation and appellate practice and will assist in formulating legal strategies to address novel legal issues, preserve the interests of the MTA agencies' on appeal and reduce tort exposure. Responsibilities
- Handle complex, high-exposure appeals and other litigation matters independently and collaboratively as part of a litigation team as related to personal injury claims brought against MTA agencies.
- Conduct legal research; draft appellate briefs, motions and memoranda; handle court appearances, including oral arguments and settlement conferences; attend mediations; engage in settlement negotiations; prepare internal reports.
- Critically analyze personal injury claims and develop legal strategies to address significant and novel legal issues, to protect the appellate rights of MTA agencies, and reduce tort exposure.
- Accurately assess liability and damages exposures, make appropriate reserve and settlement recommendations.
- Provide legal advice and counsel on matters pertaining to all phases of tort litigation, including insurance coverage and indemnification matters.
- 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.
- Perform other duties as assigned by senior management.
Education and Experience Required
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 appellate litigation or other relevant experience. 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 appellate litigation or other relevant experience. Extensive knowledge of local, State and Federal substantive and procedural laws and regulations which impact tort litigation. Preferred
- Admission to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is desirable.
- Experience defending municipalities, corporate entities and/or common carriers and experience litigating tort claims involving motor vehicle accidents and premises liability in the NYS Appellate Divisions, First and Second Departments is strongly preferred
Desired Skills
- Proven ability to handle appellate matters relating to a varied tort caseload independently and collaboratively as part of a litigation team, under pressure and tight time constraints imposed internally or by the Courts.
- Possess superior 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 strategies designed to reduce tort exposure during all phases of litigation.
- 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.
Other Information Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policy making 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.