Attorney

Attorney (Claims, Tort, and Litigation) Responsible for legal work involving research, professional judgement, legal opinions, and tort litigation in District Court, County Court, and Justice of the Peace Court. May be assigned to perform any legal work needed, although assignments are usually of a specialized type. Required to provide strategic legal advice on liability exposure and facilitate minimizing legal, operational, and financial risks for the transit system. Represents VIA in specified litigation matters, working collaboratively with Risk Management and, when engaged, outside counsel. Manages all VIA tort and special litigation and coordinates the assignment of cases to outside counsel as appropriate. Prepares, drafts, and reviews a wide variety of legal documents and instruments, including pleadings and motions, discovery responses, medical analyses, legal opinions, contracts, agreements, and other legal documents. Performs all phases of discovery including written discovery, prepares and deposes witnesses and expert witnesses and collects legal and medical research. Assists in the implementation of pre-litigation strategies in coordination with General Counsel, Risk Management, and outside counsel in preparation for participation in litigation matters representing VIA's interests in hearings, mediations, and court trials. Participates in or advises participants in hearings. Assists Risk /and interpretation of accident/incident reports. Provides legal counsel and guidance on behalf of General Counsel to VIA staff attorneys, VIA Board of Trustees, and other VIA departments as required on other legal matters as assigned. Assists in resolving Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues or concerns to ensure compliance. Assists Human Resources with benefit related matters, including Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Worker's Compensation, and Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO) to ensure compliance with settlement agreements, state laws, federal laws, and plan requirements. Performs legal research and legal writing. Provides briefings and updates to General Counsel, Senior Executives, and the members of the VIA Board of Trustees. Attends VIA/ATD board meetings as required. This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist. Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) degree, license to practice law in the State of Texas, and at least five (5) years' experience in public law and tort litigation, or equivalent combination. Ability to research, reach independent judgements, and advise management of the most advantageous course in view of statutes, regulations, contracts, and case law. Ability to draft complex legal documents, including but not limited to contracts, agreements, and legal opinions ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compliance with laws and regulations. Ability to manage outside counsel and multiple, complex caseloads. Ability to read, understand, and analyze complex legal material, including but not limited to statutes, regulations, contracts, and case law. Ability to maintain and exhibit honesty, integrity, and high ethical standards while upholding fiduciary obligations and safeguarding sensitive and confidential matters with discretion. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms, supported by strong research, writing, and organizational skills. Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to convey effectively with personnel, counsel, VIA Board of Trustees, Senior Management/Executive Management teams, and external clients when providing legal advice, participating in meetings, counseling, and presenting complex legal matters in a clear and professional manner. Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Must know the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research. Must be intelligent/Unindustrious. Must be able to maintain good work attendance. Safety Accountability Statement: Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers. Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security. Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department. Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used. Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures. Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach, and occasionally lift 5-25 pounds of objects, such as files, equipment and supplies, and books. Position requires sitting, standing, and ability to move within VIA facility and to attend off property work related business. Work involves deadlines and multiple priorities. Works within normal office environment.