Deputy General Counsel

Job Overview

South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), operator of Tri‑Rail, is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Deputy General Counsel. Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Deputy provides legal advice and representation to the Governing Board and Executive Director on a broad range of matters impacting agency governance, operations, compliance and risk management.

Essential Duties & Additional Responsibilities

Essential Duties

• Legal Counsel to Leadership : Assist General Counsel in providing counsel and advice on legal matters to the Governing Board and Executive Director, including routine legal advice, opinions, and ongoing research of federal and state laws.
• Litigation : Oversee outside counsel in litigation matters, including discovery.
• Outside Counsel Oversight : Supervise and coordinate the services of outside law firms that represent SFRTA.
• Legal Document Drafting and Review : Draft policies, resolutions, contracts, leases, legislation, and memoranda; review documents for legal form and sufficiency.
• Procurement Review : Provide legal advice on government procurement and review and comment on procurement documents.
• Legislative : Review, opine on, analyze, and draft state and federal legislation, rules, and policies pertaining to SFRTA.
• Tort and Insurance Coordination : Assist in analyzing tort and liability claims, coordinate insurance coverage, and oversee outside counsel representing SFRTA and its contractors.
• Real Estate Matters : Review real estate matters, negotiate transit‑oriented development agreements, and handle long‑term leases.
• Interagency Legal Coordination : Provide legal information to other public agencies regarding SFRTA operations, projects, policies and procedures, including grants.

Additional Responsibilities

• Staff Coordination : Coordinate staff efforts in resolving and responding to legal matters.
• Departmental Strategy Support : Assist in developing and overseeing the implementation of long‑ and short‑range strategies for the Legal Department.
• Board Presentations (As Requested) : Make recommendations and present to the Governing Board on legal services and risk management.
• Professional Support : Work closely with and support the General Counsel.
• Workload and Deadline Management : Manage multiple high‑priority projects and meet internal and external deadlines.

Requirements & Competencies

Knowledge

• SFRTA Governance & Legal Authority : Organization, powers, duties and limitations of SFRTA and its Legal Department.
• Federal and State Legal Frameworks : Applicable laws, regulations and precedents.
• Public Records & Sunshine Law : Florida’s Public Records and Sunshine Law.
• Ethics & Public Sector Compliance : Florida’s sunlight and ethics laws for public employees and officials.
• Government Procurement Requirements : Competitive procurement processes, including FTA requirements.

Skills

• Legal Research & Opinion Preparation : Conduct legal research and prepare sound opinions.
• Legal Problem Solving : Identify issues, generate solutions and strategies, and implement chosen solutions.

Abilities

• Communicate Legal Arguments Clearly : Present law, fact and argument logically.
• Evaluate Legal Strategies and Consequences : Assess practical consequences of strategies.
• Exercise Professional Judgment and Adaptability : Demonstrate good judgment, flexibility, creativity and sensitivity.
• Maintain Effective Professional Relationships : Interact professionally with superiors, coworkers, government officials and the public.

Digital & Technology Proficiency

• Microsoft Office Suite & Internet‑Based Programs : Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and web‑based applications.
• Digital Data and Records Literacy : Work responsibly with digital data, reports and electronic records.
• Cybersecurity Awareness : Adhere to agency cybersecurity policies.

Education & Experience Requirements

Minimum Education

• Juris Doctor Degree : Degree from an accredited law school.

Minimum Experience

• Professional Experience : Seven (7) years as a licensed attorney.
• Communication Proficiency : Ability to communicate complex information to stakeholders of various levels.
• Government Law Experience : Prior experience representing governmental entities.

Licenses & Certifications Requirements

• Florida Bar Admission : Admission to, and good standing with, the Florida Bar.

Preferred/Desirable Education & Experience

• Management Experience : Experience supervising attorneys.
• Local Government Representation : Experience with local government.
• Insurance Experience : Experience with insurance policies and claims.
• Litigation Experience : Experience as litigation counsel.
• Specialized Legal Experience : Experience in transportation, government entities, public finance, real estate or personnel matters.

Supplemental Information

Writing Sample Requirement

• Legal Memorandum Submission : Candidates must provide a legal memorandum prepared by the applicant.

Job Details

• Job Title: Deputy General Counsel
• Open Date: February 27, 2026
• Department: Legal
• Reports to: General Counsel
• Starting Salary Range: $156,033.09 – $179,848.80
• Position Salary Range: $156,033.09 – $251,295.92
• EEO Category: Officials & Administrators
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Location: Pompano Beach, FL
• Work Schedule: 40 hr M‑F; 8 am – 5 pm
• Supervisor Level: No
• Emergency Critical: No
• FLSA Exemption: Professional
• Open until filled.

General Employment Notices

Job Description

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee incumbent in this position, nor does it include all marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential job duties. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform additional duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

Essential Functions

The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. All essential duties and responsibilities are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

At‑Will Relationship

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at‑will” relationship.

Introductory Period

All new employees, as well as current employees transferred or promoted to new positions, will undergo an initial Introductory Period of at least six (6) months. Following satisfactory completion of the Introductory Period, employees are evaluated per the Performance Appraisal Policy and attain regular employee status.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (“SFRTA”) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. It is the policy of SFRTA to provide a professional working environment that ensures equal opportunities for all employees. To accomplish this, we comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment on the grounds of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act

SFRTA shall not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability and shall provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are applicants or employees. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodation must notify the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io at least 72 hours prior to their scheduled interview.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Employees may be eligible for unpaid, job‑protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Eligibility is determined in accordance with federal law and SFRTA policy.

Veterans’ Preference

SFRTA honors the service of our veterans. In accordance with Florida Statutes §295.07, eligible veterans and spouses of veterans may receive preference in employment for certain non‑exempt and non‑managerial positions. Applicants claiming Veterans’ Preference must submit the required documentation at the time of application. Preference will be applied as outlined in Florida law.

Drug‑Free Workplace

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority is a Drug‑Free Workplace. As a condition of employment, applicants who receive a conditional offer must submit to a drug screening. Refusal or a positive result will result in withdrawal of the job offer.

Background Checks

Employment is contingent upon a complete background check, including verification of education, prior employment, criminal history and professional references. Applicants are responsible for providing accurate prior employment information. Incomplete or unverifiable history may result in offer rescission.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Classification

Positions are classified as exempt or non‑exempt in accordance with the FLSA. Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime pay; non‑exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Work Authorization

SFRTA hires only individuals legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility will be verified through the federal E‑Verify system.

Certification Requirements

Employees holding positions that require certification after hire must obtain such certifications within the designated timeframe. Failure to meet certification requirements may result in termination.

Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Services

SFRTA reports hired employees to the Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Services.

E‑Verify

SFRTA participates in E‑Verify. Employees must comply with E‑Verify requirements.

Errors and Omissions

This job description reflects the most current information available at the time of posting. Any errors or omissions may be corrected as necessary. Applicants should bring any discrepancies to the Human Resources Department.

Nearest Major Market

Miami/Fort Lauderdale