Description:
Summary:This position is responsible for directly handling and overseeing outside counsel that handles a high volume of personal injury and property damage claims and lawsuits brought in state and federal courts against MTA agencies. The successful candidate will have experience in all phases of tort litigation and will work independently and collaboratively with senior management to carry out litigation strategies designed to reduce tort exposure.
Responsibilities:
- Handle high volume personal injury and/or property damage claims during all phases of litigation, including hearings, depositions, discovery, substantive and procedural motion practice, court conferences, settlement negotiations, and trials.
- Conduct legal research; draft pleadings, discovery responses, motions, memoranda, and internal reports; handle court appearances including status and settlement conferences, oral arguments, trials; attend mediations.
- Accurately assess liability and damages exposures and make and review appropriate reserve and settlement recommendations.
- Keep senior management informed of case status' and consult with senior management to develop and carry out litigation strategies designed to reduce tort exposure.
- Effectively communicate and interact with external departments (i.e.: operations, courts),
- Provide guidance and direction to in-house legal staff.
- Assist in the business goals of the MTA Legal Dept. in whatever manner as required by the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel - Torts.
- Work independently and collaboratively as part of a litigation team.
- Perform other duties as assigned by senior management.
Education and Experience:
Required:
- Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below
- One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
- Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Intern
- Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
Note:
In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements: To be assigned to AL II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment. Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.
Preferred:
- Knowledge of local, State and Federal substantive and procedural laws and regulations which impact tort litigation.
- Experience defending municipalities, corporate entities and/or common carriers and experience litigating tort claims involving motor vehicle accidents and premises liability is strongly preferred.
Desired Skills:
Proven ability to manage and handle a high volume, varied tort caseload from inception to resolution and to function independently and collaboratively as part of a litigation team, under pressure and tight time constraints imposed internally or by the Courts.
- Proven ability to exercise sound judgment.
- Excellent analytical, verbal, writing and negotiation skills.
- Proven ability to build and develop professional relationships necessary to litigation (i.e.: clients, adversaries, judiciary).
- Proven ability to evaluate, devise and implement litigation strategies.
- Proven ability to forensically analyze medical records and varied technical information.
- Proven ability and command over all types of research including but not limited to legal research engines, general internet searches and investigative searches.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e.: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Selection Method:
Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview.
