Legal Counsel

Salary range is $110k to $200k, with a midpoint of $155k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

This Legal Counsel position is expected to support the legal department and advise on a variety of matters including labor and employment issues, municipal law, and other legal general matters necessary to operate Sound Transit.

The Legal Counsel classification is a non-managerial professional. Attorneys in this position perform research and analysis, advise Sound Transit employees, represent the agency in negotiations with private organizations and other governments. The work involves moderately complex projects performed while supervised by a senior attorney.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Working with supervising attorneys who will provide training, the following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Provide legal research, analysis, and strategic advice on a variety of legal matters, including: issues related to the ADA, FMLA, state and federal wage and hour laws, state and federal employment discrimination statutes, FLSA, equal pay, diversity, drug-free workplace, labor relations and contract negotiations, employee discipline and termination, whistleblower complaints, wrongful discharge claims, drafting employment agreements and policies, and other labor and employment law matters.
• Provide legal research analysis on municipal law matters such as public governance, public records, open public meetings, gift of public funds, codes of ethics, intergovernmental agreements, policy formation, and general municipal law matters.
• Prepare, review, and examine contracts, agreements, and other legal documents for the Agency; assist in the negotiation of contracts and agreements as necessary.
• Prepare, draft, and/or revise a variety of legal correspondence including letters, memos, briefs, opinions, and other legal documents.
• Assist in representing the Agency in assigned litigation.
• Perform legal research and provide legal opinions for special projects for the legal department as assigned.
• Assist in legislative and policy development for the Agency including researching, reviewing, and preparing resolutions, motions, policies, and other legislation; provides recommendations to management staff as necessary.
• Review new and existing statutes and regulations that may affect the Agency; advise on the impact of new or existing legislation.
• Respond to citizen inquiries regarding all types of legal issues including those concerning Agency operations.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Admission, or eligible for admission, to Washington State Bar. Three years legal experience in a law firm, in-house legal department or government legal department. Experience working with government agencies, non-profit organizations or clients requiring creative practical advice, and/or working on labor and employment law and/or municipal law issues preferred (but not required), and non-Legal experience in these areas may also be considered; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required License or Certificate:

Washington State Bar License within six months of employment.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Provide clear, cogent, and practical legal advice in person and through well-written documents.
• Engage in appropriate oral and written communication with variety of individuals including, employees, general public, elected officials, community leaders, and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.
• Negotiate effectively.
• Manage multiple tasks, set objectives and goals, and be flexible to re-prioritize competing demands.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships, strong interpersonal skills, commitment, and ability to work with diverse groups and individuals; demonstrate a curiosity and interest in all aspects of the Agency.
• Demonstrate a positive customer service orientation with both internal and external individuals.
• Maintain passion for learning.
• Tread water without making waves.
• Maintain perspective and a sense of humor while working in a demanding, and ever-changing environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a standard office and/or hybrid environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.