Associate Counsel, Labor & Employment (LIRR/MNR/HQ)

Job ID: 6987

Business Unit: MTA Headquarters

Location: New York, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Labor and Employment

Date Posted: Apr 24, 2024

Description

JOB TITLE: Associate Counsel, Labor & Employment (LIRR/MNR/HQ)

SALARY RANGE: $131,840 - $145,000

HAY POINTS: 920

DEPT/DIV: Legal Department

SUPERVISOR: Senior Associate Counsel

LOCATION: Graybar Building, 420 Lexington Avenue

HOURS OF WORK: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7 1/2 hours/day)

This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for handling labor and employment related litigation and administrative matters involving MTA and its constituent agencies, with a particular focus on Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road, and MTA Headquarters, before federal and state courts and various administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and State Division of Human Rights. Provide day-to-day legal advice concerning employment and labor (including Railway Labor Act) issues. Give counsel and advice on legislation and compliance relative to employment and labor issues. Work with labor and employment attorneys in the consolidated labor and employment unit as well as outside counsel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent handles labor and employment related litigation and non-litigation matters within the MTA Consolidated Legal Department, including matters before state and federal courts and various administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and State Division of Human Rights.

Provides day-to-day legal advice to management and various Departments at the MTA and its constituent agencies including Human Resources, Labor relations, Diversity and Civil Rights regarding employment practices, employment discrimination, equal opportunity, labor (including Railway Labor Act) and civil rights issues and policies and procedures in these areas. The role will have a particular focus on matters involving Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road, and MTA Headquarters.

Reports to the Senior Associate Counsel (current incumbent’s title is Deputy General Counsel) and supports the sub-unit responsible for Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road and MTA Headquarters matters.

Other duties as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated excellence in the area of employment/labor law.

• Experience with litigation of labor and employment matters in State and Federal Courts and Administrative Tribunals.

• Demonstrated initiative and excellent judgment.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently on matters of significant importance and complexity.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and clients in a fast-paced environment.

• Confidence dealing with senior management and sophisticated counterparties.

• Proven capability to build and maintain client relationships.

• Expected to develop and build strong business connections in the employment and human resources field, as well as MTA Constituent Agency contacts.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or other comparable applications, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

• Familiarity with MTA’s policies and procedures preferred.

  EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: REQUIRED

  Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school and New York State Bar Admission and license to practice law, maintained in good standing throughout employment. In addition, a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the area of employment and labor law as an attorney in a law firm in New York State, a governmental legal Division, or a company legal department. Excellent academic credentials.

  OTHER INFORMATION:

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission")

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.