GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
Responsible for providing legal counsel and guidance in legal issues involving VIA to ensure maximum protection of legal rights and to maintain operations within the limits prescribed by law. Performs legal research and consults with management and retained counsel regarding legal issues.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Provides legal counsel and guidance to VIA personnel as required on legal matters.
Researches legal questions posed by management.
Assist in the coordination and provision of legal services for VIA.
Participates in development and interpretation of policy.
Monitors and represents/participates in litigation representing VIA's interests.
Provides support and legal opinions as requested by the General Counsel/Senior Vice President Legal for the VIA/ATD Board and/or VIA staff.
Participates in or advises participants in hearings.
Recruits and supervises contract legal research assistants. Makes work assignments, monitors and reviews paralegal work. Authorizes payment to paralegal and adapts work product for use by VIA.
Reviews and comments on the legal opinions issued by the division.
Drafts a variety of legal documents such as opinions, resolutions, contracts, leases, etc.
Performs legal research.
Reviews/drafts legal documents.
Provides legal advice to VIA personnel on issues which may have legal implications for the systems operation.
Assist in the coordination of outside counsel with VIA staff.
Represents VIA's interests or position with other entities, individuals or government agencies.
This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
J.D. and at least five years of experience in business, tort litigation or public law; government/public agency experience; and Texas license to practice law, or equivalent combination.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to research, reach independent judgments and advise management of the most advantageous course in view of statutes, regulations, contracts and case law.
Ability to communicate with executives and/or appointed/elected officials upon request.
Ability to draft complex legal contracts and legal opinions. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to read and understand complex material.
Ability to maintain and exhibit honesty and integrity due to the interaction with highly sensitive, confidential information.
Must know the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research.
Must be able to maintain good work attendance.
Safety Accountability Statement:
- Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.
- Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.
- Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.
- Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.
Must comply with and support VIA’s EEO policies and the Diversity Program.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Position requires sitting, standing, and ability to move within VIA facility and to attend off property work related business.
WORK ENVIRONMENTS:
Works within normal office environment.
VIA Metropolitan Transit is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.