Deputy General Counsel-Corporate
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth largest transportation system in the United States, with a vast network of fixed route services including bus, subway/elevated, trackless trolley, light rail, and commuter rail serving a 2,200 square mile service region.
We are currently seeking a Deputy General Counsel-Corporate (0025) in the Legal - Direct Reports.
Opening Date: 11/5/21
Closing Date: 11/19/21
Job Grade: SAM 44
Salary Range: Min: $123,214.00 - Mid: $154,024.00 - Max: $184,834.00
Limited telework may be permitted for this position in accordance with SEPTA Policy.
OVERALL DESCRIPTION
Directs and monitors work on all corporate legal matters involving SEPTA and manages the staff involved in those matters, including staff attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and other support staff and outside counsel. Oversees all legal work with SEPTA Divisions and Departments to establish contracts and relationships beneficial to SEPTA and the communities it serves.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manages the operation of the Corporate Department so as to ensure that corporate legal matters are handled with legal competence, accuracy, thoroughness and timeliness.
- Assigns, directs, and monitors work and manages staff in the performance of legal transactional responsibilities, such as negotiating terms and drafting legal documents, for all types of corporate matters, including but not limited to, real estate, environmental compliance, capital projects, sustainability projects, energy use and acquisition, procurement, technology, property use, financial documents, railroad relationships, paratransit eligibility, FRA violations, Federal and State funding requirements, ethics, regulatory compliance and legislative affairs.
- Represents SEPTA, negotiates with opposing attorneys, and works with external stakeholders (such as City attorneys, elected officials, municipalities, businesses, attorneys and other professionals), particularly concerning high stature matters.
- Makes recommendations to General Counsel on settlement proposals for claims related to corporate and business operations matters.
- Provides leadership to corporate staff in order to achieve high-quality corporate legal services to the Authority. Ensures quality crafting of all corporate-related legal documents. Develops and maintains among the corporate staff a high degree of professionalism, expertise, competency, legal knowledge and quality of work in the handling of all corporate matters. Ensures legal management and document management systems exist, are update, and are fully utilized for the Corporate Department.
- Keeps General Counsel informed regarding the intent, expectations, approach and status of corporate matters being handled by internal corporate attorneys and outside counsel.
- Advises and engages with the executive management of SEPTA, and the SEPTA Board, on legal issues as requested, and provides guidance as needed for any specific questions that have legal implications.
- Reviews documents, communications, questions and requests regarding matters that have legal implications, in order to determine priority, assign and direct work, and manage the overall execution of the legal work.
- Oversees and directs the engagements of outside counsel performing legal work for corporate matters by: recommending to General Counsel which matters/aspects of matter should be handled by outside counsel and the specific counsel to handle the work; directing outside counsels’ work; tracking progress of work; and keeping General Counsel informed as needed.
- Identifies, plans and implements organizational and procedural strategies that will increase productivity, ensure redundancy and knowledge transfer, and enhance the quality of work of the secretaries, paralegals and lawyers performing corporate work. Oversees ongoing compliance and improvements associated with such initiatives.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serves as advisor to General Counsel regarding all matters and issues of a corporate nature that have legal, political, policy, regulatory, or legislative implications within SEPTA.
- Serves as advisor to General Counsel for developing, institutionalizing, interpreting, disseminating and enforcing policy and protocols within the OGC.
- Assists General Counsel, as requested, in handling and resolving policy, administrative, employment, staffing, organizational ethics, operational and financial matters both within and external to the OGC.
- Plans and directs activities required for timely and successful completion of special projects and assignments that impact the OGC or the Authority.
- Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school in the United States and at least ten (10) years as a full-time practicing attorney in the area of corporate law or other related fields involving legal transactional work required.
- Admission to practice law before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania required.
- Proven management/ leadership experience required.
- Requires excellent administrative and organization skills, verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills.
- Requires the ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, sound judgment, attention to detail, professionalism, and successful interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with a wide range of managers at all levels and individuals external to the Authority from various fields and arenas required.
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Undergraduate degree or Master’s degree with an emphasis in business, public management/administration, policy, finance or a related degree preferred.
SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia
