Attorney (Claims, Tort, and Litigation)

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Responsible for legal work involving research, professional judgment, legal opinions, and tort litigation in District Court, County Court and Justice of the Peace Court. May be assigned to perform any legal work needed, although assignments are usually of a specialized type. Required to provide strategic legal advice on liability exposure and facilitate minimizing legal, operational and financial risks for the transit system.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Represents VIA in specified litigation matters, working collaboratively with Risk Management and, when engaged, outside counsel. Manages all VIA tort and special litigation and coordinates the assignment of cases to outside counsel as appropriate. Prepares, drafts and reviews a wide variety of legal documents and instruments, including pleadings and motions, discovery responses, medical analyses, legal opinions, contracts, agreements and other legal documents. Performs all phases of discovery including written discovery, prepares and deposes witnesses and expert witnesses, collects legal and medical research. Assists in the implementation of pre-litigation strategies in coordination with General Counsel, Risk Management and outside counsel in preparation for participation in litigation matters representing VIA's interests in hearings, mediations and court trials. Participates in or advises participants in hearings. Assist Risk Management/Safety in the development, review, and interpretation of accident/incident reports. Provides legal counsel and guidance on behalf of General Counsel to VIA staff attorneys, VIA Board of Trustees, and other VIA departments as required on other legal matters as assigned. Assist in resolving Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues or concerns to ensure compliance. Assist Human Resources with benefit related matters, including Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Worker’s Compensation and Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO) to ensure compliance with settlement agreements, state laws, federal laws, and plan requirements. Performs legal research and legal writing. Provides briefings and updates to General Counsel, Senior Executives and the members of the VIA Board of Trustees. Attends VIA/ATD board meetings as required. This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Doctorate of Jurisprudence, license to practice law in the State of Texas, and at least five years experience in public law and tort litigation or equivalent combination required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to research, reach independent judgments and advise management of the most advantageous course in view of statutes, regulations, contracts and case law. Ability to draft complex legal documents, including but not limited to contracts, agreements and legal opinions ensuring accuracy, clarity and compliance with laws and regulations. Ability to manage outside counsel and multiple, complex caseloads. Ability to read, understand and analyze complex legal material, including but not limited to statutes, regulations, contracts and case law. Ability to maintain and exhibit honesty, integrity, and high ethical standards while upholding a fiduciary obligations and safeguarding sensitive and confidential matters with discretion. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms, supported by strong research, writing and organizational skills. Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to convey effectively with internal personnel, outside counsel, VIA Board of Trustees, Senior Management/Executive Management teams and external clients when providing legal advice, participating in meetings, counseling, and presenting complex legal matters in a clear and professional manner. Excellent analytical, negotiation and problem solving skills. Must know the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research. Must be intelligent/industrious. Must be able to maintain good work attendance. Must support VIA’s EEO and SBE Programs..

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Position requires sitting, standing, and ability to move within VIA facility and to attend off property work related business.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Works in normal office environment. VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.