POSITION:
The NJTA is currently seeking applications for a Litigation Attorney position in our Law department located at our Woodbridge, NJ headquarters building.
The Attorney serves as in-house counsel within the Department of Law and manages litigation and claims matters stemming from the operations of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (the "Authority"). The role supports the Authority's mission by providing practical and strategic legal guidance, protecting the Authority's interests, reducing financial risk, and promoting timely, effective resolution of disputes.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Assist the Director of Law in advising leadership and staff on legal issues involving litigation and dispute resolution.
2. Manage a broad range of litigation matters, including contract disputes, tort and personal injury matters, regulatory actions, insurance coverage issues, real estate-related litigation, and employment-related claims.
3. Develop litigation strategies in collaboration with Law Department colleagues and outside counsel.
4. Oversee and coordinate with outside counsel to ensure cost-effective, efficient and high-quality representation.
5. Review and analyze pleadings, motions, discovery responses and other litigation documents for accuracy and strategic alignment.
6. Advise on litigation risks, possible exposure, settlement options, and case strategy recommendations.
7. Monitor litigation progress, manage case budgets and timelines, and facilitate communication between outside counsel and other Authority departments for efficient case resolution.
8. Prepare status reports, updates and recommendations for the Director of Law and other Law Department team members.
9. Represent the Authority in litigation when assigned by the Director of Law.
10. Draft legal documents and written assessments as needed, including position papers and evaluations of litigation matters.
11. Participate in mediations, settlement conferences, and negotiations, collaborating with outside counsel as directed by the Director of Law.
This list is not exhaustive; additional tasks may be assigned as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
2. Licensed to practice law and in good standing in the State of New Jersey.
3. Minimum of five (5) years of civil litigation experience; supervisory or case-management experience is preferred but not required.
4. Strong knowledge of New Jersey civil procedure, discovery, evidence, dispute resolution and trial preparation.
5. Excellent organizational, analytical, negotiation and communication skills.
6. Proficiency with legal research, document-management/productivity tools, and state and federal e-filing systems; familiarity with case management platforms (such as Legal Files or similar systems) is a plus.
7. Ability to manage multiple cases and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism.
8. Must possess a valid New Jersey driver's license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Experience representing public entities or quasi-governmental organizations, familiarity with the New Jersey Tort Claims Act and public records requirements; management of litigation in coordination with insurers or third-party administrators.
2. Experience managing outside counsel, handling high-volume litigation dockets, or working in transportation, infrastructure, or public-sector operational environments.
BENEFITS & PAY:
This position will be located at the headquarters building, located in Woodbridge, NJ. Toll-free commutation is available for employee travel to and from work on the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.
This position is represented by AFSCME Local 3914. Members will receive an annual increment (PIP) to their base salary per the guidelines of the CBA. All Local 3914 NJTA full time employees are also entitled to participate in the following benefits per the guidelines of the collective bargaining agreement: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance on first day of employment; Enrollment in the NJ Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) if eligible; PERS Life Insurance and PERS Supplemental Life Insurance; Group Life Insurance; Worker's Compensation Insurance; 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan; Time off including holidays, vacation, sick, personal, leaves of absence, and other pre-approved days after applicable waiting periods.
NOTE: This position is classified as exempt and may require work outside normal business hours based on court schedules, emergent incidents, or operation needs. The role may involve travel for hearings, depositions, mediations, and internal meetings. Hybrid work arrangements through the Authority's Telework Policy may be available consistent with Authority policy and operational requirements.
Prospective public employees should be aware that the New Jersey First Act requires employees of all public authorities to reside in the State of New Jersey unless otherwise exempted under the law.
