Chief Legal Officer

LHH Legal Recruitment is exclusively conducting this search for Community Transit , a leading public transportation agency serving Snohomish County and the greater Puget Sound region. Community Transit is seeking a General Counsel to serve as the agency's chief legal advisor and a key member of the executive leadership team. This is a unique opportunity to join a mission-driven organization whose work has a direct and lasting impact on the communities it serves. Community Transit’s mission is simple yet powerful: "We help people get from where they are to where they want to be." Guided by its vision of "Travel made easy for all," the agency is committed to delivering exceptional public service through a culture grounded in accountability, integrity, teamwork, initiative, diversity, equity and inclusion, mutual respect, and service to the community. Reporting directly to the CEO, the General Counsel will oversee all legal affairs of the agency and provide strategic counsel to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors. This highly visible role offers the opportunity to influence significant organizational, governance, and policy decisions while supporting a public agency that serves hundreds of thousands of residents throughout the region. Key Responsibilities: Serve as the principal legal advisor to the Board of Directors, CEO, and executive leadership team. Provide strategic legal counsel on a broad range of matters affecting a public agency, including governance, regulatory compliance, contracts, labor and employment, procurement, public records, risk management, litigation, real estate, environmental issues, and other operational matters. Advise leadership on complex legal, regulatory, and policy issues to support organizational objectives and informed decision-making. Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, interlocal agreements, and other legal documents. Support significant organizational initiatives and strategic transactions, including acquisitions, partnerships, and other complex business matters, as needed. Oversee outside counsel, litigation strategy, claims, disputes, and legal budgets. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting public agencies and advise leadership on emerging legal risks and opportunities. Provide legal guidance in support of major capital projects, policy initiatives, and long-term organizational planning. Required Qualifications J.D. from an accredited law school and eligibility for admission in Washington State. Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible legal experience, preferably representing or advising governmental, municipal, public sector, or other highly regulated organizations. Broad-based legal experience advising organizations on a variety of complex legal, governance, regulatory, and operational matters. Demonstrated ability to provide practical, strategic legal counsel to executive leadership teams, governing boards, or senior decision-makers. Experience managing outside counsel and balancing legal risk with organizational objectives. Exceptional judgment, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to navigate complex legal and policy issues in a collaborative environment. Exceptional Benefits Include: ~ Washington State PERS pension with employer contributions, providing a true defined-benefit retirement plan. ~ Outstanding, low-cost medical coverage with multiple plan options, including $0 employee premiums for Consumer Directed Health Plans for administrative employees. ~ Employer-funded Health Savings Account (HSA) ~ Comprehensive dental and vision coverage , including generous orthodontia, hearing, and vision benefits. ~457(b) deferred compensation plan with flexible contribution options to supplement your pension. ~ Available paid leave includes Personal Time Off (PTO) on an accrual basis up to 152 hours a year, 10 Paid Holidays. All employees receive WA Paid Sick Leave (WPSL), access to all state and federal leaves, and short and long-term disability plans. For WPSL balances over 40 hours at the end of the every calendar year, the time becomes usable as Major Sick Leave (MSL) S ~ Base Compensation range $185,000 to $277,000 Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable: The California Fair Chance Act Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance