Job Description:

This position reports directly to the Chief Legal Officer, and will perform a variety of tasks as directed by the Chief Legal Officer or designee that are related to the legal needs of the Authority and the Authority’s affiliated entities (Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority).  Tasks may include but are not limited to reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts, intergovernmental agreements and other legal documents; performing legal research; researching and advising on US federal regulations such as Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements and best practices, and drafting memoranda; and providing other legal services as needed. 

Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

Transactional – Maintains a good working knowledge of contract law.  Reviews, drafts and negotiates all types of contracts (e.g., operations, intergovernmental, construction, technology, intellectual property, confidentiality, etc.); resolves conflicts related to or arising out of contracts; addresses any other issues that may arise related to an agreement; and handles legal or contractual issues related to the solicitation or procurement of goods and services. 

State Laws – Maintains an understanding of the Authority’s code and its various programs (and those of its affiliated entities) and other state laws with which the Authority as a state entity, must comply.

Research – Is very proficient in researching state and federal laws, rules, regulations and case law and analyzing impacts to the Authority's operations. 

Federal Laws, Rules, and Regulations – Maintains a thorough understanding of and familiarity with federal rules, regulations, and circulars applicable to the Authority; provides legal advice with respect to compliance with these federal laws, regulations, policy and guidance.

General Legal – Attends regular meetings as assigned; provides legal assistance on a diverse range of legal issues and potential risks that impact the Authority; assists with policy changes and formulates new processes/procedures in support of Authority goals 

Advises and advocates on behalf of the Authority – Follows up on unresolved citizen/customer complaints that are escalated to the Legal Unit; follows up on vendor/consultant issues that are escalated to the Legal Unit; follows up on internal issues that are escalated to the Legal Unit from other business units; follows up on issues related to localities that are escalated to the Legal Unit; addresses issues that are impacted by applicable laws or changes in these laws; provides information to other business units, localities and external partners as needed.

Communication – Effectively interacts with all levels of management and Authority employees and external partners; translates complex or legal information into a format that can be understood by others; discusses legal requirements and submits appropriate recommendations which best meet these requirements; confers with other members of the legal unit and other business units to resolve problems quickly.

Toll Violations – If directed by General Officer, resolves all toll violations and assists with the management of the violations caseload, including but not limited to reviewing, preparing, partnering with the Law Department on violation cases brought before OSAH, and managing the Authority's caseload handled by various Special Assistant Attorney General (SAAG).

Employment – Work with Human Resources Unit, including conducting investigations related to EEO matters, allegations of fraud, etc.

Notification of Certain Matters – Where applicable, informs the Chief Legal Officer of significant legal and policy matters handles by the Attorney and informs the Chief Legal Officer, or appropriate department contact of inquiries from legislators, lobbyists, media, etc.

Generally – Must be a self-starter and adept at identifying and analyzing problems, using sound legal reasoning to arrive at conclusions or recommendations; finds alternative solutions to complex problems and distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant information to make decisions based on the facts and on the law.

Performs other duties as assigned by Management. 

Skills/Abilities:  

• Compliance with state bar ethics requirements

• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills

• Proven strong skills in researching and analyzing law and case law and legislative interpretations

• Preparation of presentations for meetings with internal staff and external partners

• Organizational skills; customer service skills; project management skills

• Self-starter

• Ability to prioritize the changing legal needs and tasks

• Contributing to the vision, mission and values of the Authority through responsible and effective legal work

• Excellent grammar skills

• Ability to work with various types of organizations and a diverse population

Agency-specific minimum qualifications for this position are: 

• Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law schools
• A member in good standing of the Georgia Bar Association
• 4-5 years of related legal experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Be detail oriented, capable of working independently
• Maintain confidentiality of work matters as required by law and the rules promulgated by the Georgia Bar Association
• Must possess the Authority's core values of integrity, collaboration, innovation, customer focus, and diversity
• Must be flexible to adapt to the changing needs of the Authority n a daily basis