Text for IO#: 100224
Posting Date: 11/28/16
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Sound Transit
SENIOR LEGAL COUNSEL
Job #15-00932
SALARY: $136,188.00 - $170,235.00 Annually
OPENING DATE: 11/16/16
CLOSING DATE: 12/15/16, 5:00 PM
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Sound Transit's legal department seeks a senior real estate attorney. As in-house counsel to a rapidly expanding regional transit authority, we advise agency staff and policy makers on complex legal matters and develop legal strategies and creative solutions that balance potential legal risks with strategic and public interests. We work with elected officials, the Federal Transit Administration, engineers, transportation planners, and other dedicated agency staff to plan, design, build and operate the region's high capacity transportation system. This is a new position intended to complement our existing team of 11 attorneys in a collegial environment in our Union Station offices.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Negotiate complex real estate transactions, including property acquisition and disposition, leases, joint development, and transit-oriented development.
• Collaborate with and manage outside counsel on eminent domain litigation, including dispute resolution processes.
• Review, draft, and negotiate intergovernmental agreements.
• Counsel Sound Transit Board and staff in implementing the requirements of the Uniform Act and Washington eminent domain law.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Juris Doctorate Degree and eight years of experience in a public or private practice with Washington transactional real estate as a significant component. A solid understanding of the principles of the Uniform Relocation Act. Demonstrated experience litigating Washington eminent domain cases is a plus. Experience counseling clients within a municipal law context. Active membership in good standing of the Washington State Bar (or equivalent).
Required Licenses or Certifications:
Current Washington State Bar License (or obtained within 6 months of employment).
Required Knowledge of:
• Legal principles, practices, and procedures relevant to municipal, institutional, and administrative law.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Advanced methods and techniques required to perform legal duties and responsibilities.
• Methods and techniques required to efficiently research legal issues.
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Relevant legal precedent and court decisions impacting litigation.
• State and federal court trial and appellate practice rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Advanced principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Basic project management techniques.
• Principles of customer service.
Required Skill in:
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Public speaking and in developing and delivering presentations and presenting ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Defining legal issues, collecting and analyzing information, and recommending action.
• Applying legal principles to novel situations.
• Interpreting and making decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.
• Preparing a variety of clear and concise legal documents including letters, memos, briefs, opinions, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal documents.
• Developing and implementing practical legal approach that responsibly evaluates and balances legal risks with project demands.
• Conducting research on legal problems and preparing sound legal opinion.
• Negotiating with other parties.
• Balancing project needs with legal requirements and mediating competing interests among departments.
• Demonstrating effective diplomacy on legal issues and matters.
• Managing projects and making decisions in fast-paced, difficult environments.
• Preparing and quickly analyzing and synthesizing complex data and comprehensive reports.
• Maintaining confidentiality and communicating with tact and diplomacy.
• Responding to inquiries and in effective oral and written communication.
• Applying project management techniques and principles.
• Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.
The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
Apply online: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/soundtransit/default.cfm
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value workplace diversity. We seek to create an environment and culture that embraces the differences of our employees. You will find an exceptionally diverse group of people at Sound Transit with regard to culture, beliefs, communication styles, and life and work experiences.
All qualified applicants are considered in accordance with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, marital status or veteran status or any another legally protected status.
