Job Title: Associate Counsel I
Place of Performance: Austin, TX (on-site)
Period of Performance: Full-Time
Job Description:The Associate Counsel I reports directly to the Deputy Counsel under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position will assist the Deputy Counsel, Chief Counsel, and Associate Counsels II to serve the legal needs of the organization. The Associate Counsel I is responsible for legal advice, counsel and assistance to staff and the Board Members regarding general and transportation law, with an emphasis on performing moderately complex legal work analyzing, processing, and coordinating the fulfillment of, and responding to public information requests submitted in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, and other privacy laws, and any applicable rules. The Associate Counsel I will perform administrative and analytical work primarily involving the interpretation of the Texas Public Information Act and drafting and issuing requests for the Office of the Attorney General Opinions and Rulings. This role involves assisting in drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, maintaining legal documentation, and ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Responsibilities:- Advise staff regarding general legal matters that arise.
- Provide direction and advice on Federal, State, and local governmental statutes, regulations, or policies impacting programs, practices, and activities.
- Perform legal research on complex issues and provide written legal opinions and documents to staff and the Board of Directors, as appropriate.
- Research and advise on municipal codes, ordinances, and regulations, including city permitting and zoning issues.
- Provide legal advice and support for Public Safety Program, including advising on federal state, and local laws, regulations, and best practices for law enforcement agencies.
- Negotiate agreements and draft related documents related to ongoing and proposed real property interests, including but not limited to preparation of license agreements, leases, deeds of trust, purchase and sale agreements, transit-oriented development agreements, easements including utility easements, facilities/maintenance/office space agreements, releases, amendments, and other documents.
- Represent the client in the acquisition and disposition of real estate under applicable Local, State and Federal statutory frameworks, including through the power of eminent domain.
- Monitor legal risk in real estate documentation and advise the client accordingly.
- Draft and review a variety of legal documents, including interlocal cooperation agreements, excursion rail agreements, agency policies, contracts, and agreements for all departments.
- Monitor and direct activities of outside legal counsel representing the client's interest; and negotiate settlement as appropriate.
- Provide direction and advice on litigation risks associated with claims asserted, proposed programs and projects, and contractual activities.
- Engage contractors and vendors on contractual and legal matters pertaining to business.
- Read and review statutes, legal opinions, and other documents to maintain knowledge of local, state and federal legislation and jurisprudence affecting the client's operations, programs, and activities.
- Comply with records management standards and company policy.
- Support the Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by following safety and security policies, considering safety in every action and reporting safety and security concerns.
- Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.
Qualifications:- Graduation from an accredited law school with a Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B). or Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree.
- Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- Experience as a Public Information Officer, Open Records Attorney, or similar role where the job required knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:- Knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; interpersonal skills; and analytical skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with employees, managers, the Board, outside attorneys, and the public.
- Knowledge of public sector laws, regulations and familiarity with federal, state, and local transportation statutes and regulations.
- Skills in use of personal computers using word processing, spreadsheet applications and computerized legal research.
- Skill in analyzing facts, legal commitment and impact, precedent, organizing information and interpreting and applying legal principles to complex legal issues.
- Skill in preparing and presenting written and oral legal opinions, advice, and counsel.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:- Work is generally performed in an office environment in which there is only minimal exposure to unpleasant and/or hazardous working conditions.
- This position works with multiple project timelines and is responsible for managing employees performing work of a complex nature.
- Incumbents must have the ability to stand and sit frequently throughout an eight-hour period, reach vertically for overhead use as well as horizontally.
- Must be able to use telephone or headset equipment. Incumbents must be able to lift and move material weighing up to 20 lbs., perform work at a computer terminal for 6-8 hours a day, and function in an environment with constant interruptions.
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions as previously described.
What's in it for You:- Work with a diverse, collaborative, and energetic workforce whose focus is to bring innovation into the industry and how we serve our customers and team members.
- Utilize our free and reduced-fare transit service to get to the office and then plan to hit the gym (for free) and work with our onsite trainers, before heading back home.
- If you have children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years old, enroll them in the onsite award-winning Childcare and Learning Center.
