Associate Counsel

JOB DESCRIPTION

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The Associate Counsel reports directly to the Deputy Counsel. This position provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) staff and Board Members regarding general and transportation law with minimal supervision. The Associate Counsel is responsible for the provision of legal advice and services related to all legal matters of CapMetro, with an emphasis on real estate matters, land use and development matters including city permitting and zoning, municipal ordinances and regulations, transit planning, law enforcement matters, construction matters, rail operations and transactions, interlocal cooperation agreements, open government laws and compliance, litigation management, internal agency policy development, and research.

ABOUT US

ABOUT THE TEAM

At CapMetro, we work to empower, enhance, and serve the region and its communities through the responsible delivery of safe, reliable, high-quality transportation. We are driven by a culture of Safety, Equity, Transparency, Sustainability, and Innovation. These values guide us in our daily activities, and decision-making and position us to be a great community partner and to better serve our riders who trust us to get them where theyre going!

WHATS IN IT FOR YOU

• Work with a diverse, collaborative, and energetic workforce whose focus is to bring innovation into the industry and how we serve our customers and team members.
• Utilize our free and reduced-fare transit service to get to the office and then plan to hit the gym (for free) and work with our onsite trainers, before heading back home.
• If you have children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years old, enroll them in the onsite award-winning Childcare and Learning Center.

and much more!

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

CapMetro is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming and diverse environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. CapMetro makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs at the time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Note: The duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

• Advise staff regarding general legal matters that arise pertaining to CapMetro.
• Provide direction and advice on Federal, State, and local governmental statutes, regulations, or policies impacting CapMetro programs, practices, and activities.
• Perform legal research on complex issues and provide written legal opinions and documents to staff and the Board of Directors, as appropriate.
• Research and advise on municipal codes, ordinances, and regulations, including city permitting and zoning issues.
• Provide legal advice and support for CapMetros Public Safety Program, including advising on federal state, and local laws, regulations, and best practices for law enforcement agencies.
• Negotiate agreements and draft related documents related to CapMetros ongoing and proposed real property interests, including but not limited to preparation of license agreements, leases, deeds of trust, purchase and sale agreements, transit-oriented development agreements, easements including utility easements, facilities/maintenance/office space agreements, releases, amendments, and other documents.
• Represent CapMetro in the acquisition and disposition of real estate under applicable Local, State and Federal statutory frameworks, including through the power of eminent domain.
• Monitor legal risk in real estate documentation and advise client accordingly.
• Draft and review a variety of legal documents, including interlocal cooperation agreements, excursion rail agreements, agency policies, contracts, and agreements for all departments.
• Monitor and direct activities of outside legal counsel representing CapMetros interest; and negotiate settlement as appropriate.
• Provide direction and advice on litigation risks associated with claims asserted, proposed programs and projects, and contractual activities.
• Engage contractors and vendors on contractual and legal matters pertaining to business with CapMetro.
• Read and review statutes, legal opinions, and other documents to maintain knowledge of local, state and federal legislation and jurisprudence affecting the Authoritys operations, programs, and activities.
• Comply with records management standards and company policy.
• Support CapMetros Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by following safety and security policies, considering safety in every action and reporting safety and security concerns.
• Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

WHAT YOU BRING

• Juris doctorate from an ABA accredited law school and a licensed member of the Texas State Bar.
• Five (5) years active practice of law.
• Two (2) years of real estate experience preferred.
• Experience with municipal ordinances and regulations, including city permitting and zoning laws, and /or laws affecting law enforcement agencies preferred.
• Experience with rail or utilities real estate work preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodation, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; interpersonal skills; and superb negotiation and analytical skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with employees, managers, the Board, outside attorneys, and the public.
• Knowledge of public sector laws, regulations and familiarity with federal, state, and local transportation statutes and regulations.
• Skills in use of personal computer using word processing, spreadsheet applications and computerized legal research.
• Skill in analyzing facts, legal commitment and impact, precedent, organizing information and interpreting and applying legal principles to complex legal issues.
• Skill in preparing and presenting written and oral legal opinions, advice, and counsel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is generally performed in an office environment in which there is only minimal exposure to unpleasant and/or hazardous working conditions. This position works with multiple project timelines and is responsible for managing employees performing work of a complex nature.

Incumbent must have the ability to stand and sit frequently throughout an eight-hour period, reach vertically for overhead use as well as horizontally. Must be able to use a telephone or headset equipment. Incumbents must be able to lift and move material weighing up to 20 lbs., perform work at a computer terminal for 6-8 hours a day, and function in an environment with constant interruptions.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions as previously described.

Mobility Status:

As a Stationed position, the incumbent is expected to be assigned an individual workspace. Expected to work in the office 4 days a week.