Assistant General Counsel - Regional Transit Service

JOB SUMMARY:

The Assistant General Counsel will assist the General Counsel in providing legal counsel, advice, and representation for the transportation authority. This role involves supporting compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, managing legal disputes, and assisting in developing organizational strategies. The Assistant General Counsel will work closely with the General Counsel to ensure the Authority's legal interests are protected, while supporting labor relations and governance functions.

REPORTS TO: General Counsel

SUPERVISES: Divisions within the Legal Department as directed

COMPENSATION:$140,000 - $175,000 annually (depending on experience)

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Staying Healthy: Medical, Dental,and Vision (Dental & Vision currently free), Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Feeling Secure: Disability Insurance, Pension Plan, NY State Deferred Compensation Plan, Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Accident Insurance, Group Specified Disease Insurance and Hospital Insurance
• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO: 17 days upon hire; accrue additional time after 1 year), Employee Assistance Program, Paid Holidays, Verizon Wireless Discount, On-site Fitness Center open 24/7, Employee Wellness Program, Culture & Inclusion Council, BJ's Wholesale Club Discount, and more!

Click here to view current medical plan rates!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Legal Compliance and Advisory Support

• Assist in advising the Authority on compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies, including transportation-related regulations.
• Conduct legal research and provide guidance to departments on the interpretation of statutes, regulations, and contractual obligations.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting the Authority, ensuring legal strategies are aligned with evolving laws and best practices.
• Collaborate with the General Counsel in facilitating labor union strategies across departments, ensuring legal support in negotiations and labor relations.

Dispute Resolution and Litigation Support

• Assist in evaluating the merits of claims or cases involving the Authority, working with executives to develop strategies for dispute resolution.
• Provide legal representation in administrative proceedings, contract disputes, labor grievances, and other matters.
• Prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, motions, and settlement agreements as needed.
• Support the General Counsel in negotiating settlements, managing litigation processes and conducting investigations.

Contract Review and Documentation

• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to ensure compliance and protect the Authority's interests.
• Assist in responding to requests for documents, information, and other legal inquiries from external parties, including FOIA requests and government agencies.

Governance and Policy Development

• Support the General Counsel in attending Board of Commissioner meetings and provide legal counsel on matters related to Board governance.
• Assist in drafting policies, procedures, and other governance documents to align with legal requirements and organizational strategies.
• Work closely with executive management on policy development, providing legal perspectives on potential impacts and strategic alignment.

Professional Development and Industry Knowledge

• Stay informed on legal trends, best practices, and changes in transportation law, labor law, and regulatory compliance through continuing education and professional development.
• Participate in legal and industry associations to maintain a robust network and keep abreast of relevant legal developments.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees and manages outside counsel who provide legal advice or representation in areas of special expertise or in litigation.
• Accomplishes all other duties and tasks as appropriately assigned or requested.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active member in good standing of the Bar in New York State.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience practicing law, with experience in public sector law, transportation law, labor law, litigation, or regulatory compliance preferred.
• Strong understanding of labor relations and union negotiations is a plus.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong negotiation, investigatory, and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders, including Commissioners, senior leadership, and staff.
• Commitment to professional integrity and confidentiality, with a dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards in all legal matters.
• Responsive and adaptable, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines under pressure.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk, hear, and use a computer. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Please note: RTS does not cover any moving or relocating expenses.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship and/or immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal or state law. RGRTAwill make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.