Senior Labor Counsel

Description:

*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. *This position is accountable for providing legal advice and/or representation in various legal bodies on all labor relations matters associated with the operation of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Its affiliates and/or subsidiaries. In addition, the selected candidate may participation in labor contract negotiations and implementations of collective bargaining agreements.

Responsibilities:

• Provides legal advice and representation, as well as continuous in-house legal guidance to MTA HQ, MTA Agencies and/or senior staff on a wide variety of litigation and non-litigation labor and related matters.
• Provide legal and strategic advice concerning ongoing contract negotiations to ensure contract settlements are consistent with the organizations goals and objectives. Assist with developing a plan for increasing MTA organizational effectiveness and efficiencies through proposed modification of collective bargaining contract provisions and practices.
• Work closely with Agency labor relations teams to review, coordinate, formulate, and establish MTA Labor Relations position on proposed legislation and coordinate the preparation of all related correspondence.
• Ensure labor policies, practices and agreements developed during prior MTA HQ and/or individual or various MTA Agencies consolidations are integrated into the development and outcome of future consolidations to maintain consistency throughout MTA HQ departments and/or MTA Agencies.
• Identify issues of potential conflict arising from the consolidation process and participate in recommending and achieving concrete resolutions. Draft agency policies and reconcile any related inconsistencies.
• Prepares bulletins, informational memos, and oversee the dissemination of instructional materials aimed at providing MTA HQ management, as well as other MTA Agencies with the tools needed to properly and effectively navigate the broad array of applicable rules and working conditions resulting from the consolidation process.
• Works directly with various agency counsels, on behalf of MTA and/or its affiliates regarding labor relations matters handled by the constituent operating agencies general counsels offices.
• Oversees and coordinates with outside counsel on all major labor disputes.
• Act as designee for the supervisor in their absence.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent litigation and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legal and labor contract matters.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work with all internal levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governors Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a high profile and high-pressure environment.
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctorate Degree required.
• A minimum of eight to ten years' experience in labor law or labor relations.
• Must have had direct involvement and experience in significant labor contracts negotiations and managed important litigation.
• Must possess the proven ability to manage a variety of complex matters concurrently.
• Must have excellent legal and labor relations skills, including analysis of issues.
• Must have ability to interact with and assist a broad range of MTA employees and officials.
• Must have excellent written and oral communications skills with ability to work under pressure and manage a diverse case load.

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