Associate Counsel - Litigation - Greater Cleveland RTA : Job Details

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides transportation services for 150,000-200,000 customers on a typical weekday, or about 45 million rides annually, through a variety of services. In 2016, RTA provided 18.1 million vehicle miles of service on all modes -- HealthLine, bus, Paratransit, light rail, heavy rail, and vanpools. RTA is the 2019 recipient of the prestigious American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Gold Award for Bus Safety & Security Excellence. We are proud to be one of northeast Ohio s major employers, with a workforce of over 2,100 employees carrying out our mission of Connecting the Community.

We offer a wide range of comprehensive benefits and programs to support the health and wellness of employees and family members, including health benefits (medical, dental and vision), a wellness incentive program and participation in the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System (OPERS.)

Provides legal counsel to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority ( Authority ), focusing primarily on litigation, with cross-functional work in employment, labor law, administrative law, and contracts and real estate, as needed. Within these disciplines, duties include providing legal support, as well as advice and counsel to various departments within the Authority. Represents the Authority s interests in federal, state and municipal courts, various administrative hearings, and before state and federal administrative agencies. Prepares legal reports and memoranda and renders legal opinions on public sector legal issues as requested. Performing other duties of a similar nature may be required.

Areas of expertise & responsibility include:

• Serves as legal counsel on all litigation matters, including personal injury, workers compensation, employment discrimination, contracts and real estate;
• Handles litigation, administrative hearings and dispute resolution;
• Handles labor arbitrations when required;
• Provides legal advice and counsel in various legal disciplines to departments within the Authority, including Litigation and Workers Compensation;
• Within these disciplines, duties include advice and counsel to various departments within the Authority;
• Areas of expertise should include litigation and dispute resolution involving matters like personal injury, workers compensation, employment, and contracts;
• Handles public records requests and subpoenas.
• Reviews and prepares various documents required for the operation and administration of a political subdivision of the state of Ohio, identifying any legal deficiencies in documents and advising on courses of action.
• This position also requires serving on GCRTA committees and review panels. The position also requires working under limited direction with extensive latitude, using initiative and independent judgment.

Minimum Requirements:

• Applicant must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and a license to practice law in the state of Ohio.
• Applicants must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience actively practicing civil litigation.
• Applicants with less than five (5) years of relevant legal experience will also be considered.
• Applicants must also have strong writing, research and oral communication skills.
• Applicants must also have experience with Microsoft Office applications, including intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel, as well as intermediate knowledge of Group Wise/Outlook or similar email communication and the Internet.
• Applicants must also have intermediate knowledge of LEXIS and/or Westlaw software.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. $80,306.00 - $101,000.00

Working Conditions

The working conditions described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Environmental Conditions

This person will work predominantly in an office-type environment. They will also frequently be required to attend hearings, meetings, and the like at external locations and be subjected to the weather, terrain, transportation issues, etc.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for up to 8 or more hours a day. The employee is frequently required to see, hear, and speak. The employee may be required to work at a computer video display terminal for more than 5 hours a day. The employee is occasionally required to travel and work irregular schedules. Lift and carry files, books, etc., to a court or other venues inside/outside; frequently required to bend and kneel in performance of job duties.

Mental Demands

Reading, watching, studying, observing, focused listening, auditing, inspecting, proofreading, and evaluating. Ability to give, receive and analyze information, formulate work plans, prepare written materials, and articulate goals and action plans. Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); develop and interpret policy, procedures, and data; maintain emotional control under stress.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ADA EMPLOYER/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE