Deputy General Counsel

Deputy General CounselAll Aboard Your Next Career Move! The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), operator of Tri-Rail, is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Deputy General Counsel. This is a unique opportunity to play a key advisory role within a regional transportation authority that connects communities across South Florida.Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel assists in providing 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. Responsibilities include addressing complex legal issues related to procurement, Florida's Public Records Law and Sunshine Law, insurance, real estate, litigation, human resources, contract administration, and legislation.The Legal Department works collaboratively with agency staff and consultants, supporting the Authority's mission to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable commuter rail service throughout the region.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesEssential functions are the primary, fundamental tasks and responsibilities of a position that are critical to the successful performance of the job. These are the duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, and they form the core purpose of the role.Legal Counsel to Leadership: Assist General Counsel with providing counsel and advice on legal matters to the Governing Board and Executive Director. Assist General Counsel with rendering routine legal advice and opinions to the Governing Board, Executive Director, and department directors as required; conduct ongoing legal research of Federal and State laws and regulations in connection with legal issues pertaining to SFRTA; prepare oral and written legal opinions.Litigation: Oversee outside counsel in litigation matters, including discovery.Outside Counsel Oversight: Assist General Counsel with the supervision of outside law firms that represent SFRTA, including coordinating and monitoring the services provided by those firms.Legal Document Drafting and Review: Draft various legal documents, including policies, resolutions, contracts, leases, legislation, and memoranda. Review documents as to 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 the General Counsel in analyzing tort and other liability claims and insurance policies to determine the extent and limits of coverage and oversee outside counsel representing SFRTA. This also includes assisting the General Counsel in coordinating with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and attorneys assigned by FDOT to represent SFRTA or its contractors in the handling of tort liability claims to which SFRTA or its contractors are a party.Real Estate Matters: Perform legal review of real estate matters and activities of SFRTA. Assist in negotiations of transit-oriented development agreements, including long-term leases.Interagency Legal Coordination: Answer questions and provide information of a legal nature to other public agencies (Federal, State, County, municipal, and special districts) regarding SFRTA operations, projects, policies, and procedures, including grants.Additional ResponsibilitiesStaff Coordination: Coordinate efforts of staff in resolving and responding to legal matters.Departmental Strategy Support: Assist the General Counsel with developing and overseeing the implementation of long and short-range strategies and programs for the Legal Department.Board Presentations (As Requested): At the request of the General Counsel, may make recommendations and presentations to the Governing Board on matters pertaining to legal services and risk management.Professional Support: Work closely with and in support of the General Counsel.Workload and Deadline Management: Successfully manage multiple high-priority projects and meet internal and external deadlines.Requirements & CompetenciesThe following knowledge, skills, and abilities are required to successfully perform the duties of this position.Knowledge of:SFRTA Governance & Legal Authority: Organization, powers, duties, and limitations of the SFRTA and the Legal Department.Federal and State Legal Frameworks: Federal and State laws, regulations, and legal precedents applicable to SFRTA's activities.Public Records & Sunshine Law: Florida's Public Records and Sunshine Law.Ethics & Public Sector Compliance: Florida's Sunshine Law and Ethics laws applicable to public employees and officials.Government Procurement Requirements: Government competitive procurement processes, including State and Federal (especially Federal Transit Administration) requirements.Skills in:Legal Research & Opinion Preparation: Conducting research on legal problems and preparing sound legal opinions, including applying legal rules and using fundamental tools of legal research.Legal Problem Solving: Applying skills and concepts involved in problem solving, including identifying issues, generating various solutions and strategies, and implementing the selected approach.Ability to:Communicate Legal Arguments Clearly: Present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly and logically.Evaluate Legal Strategies and Consequences: Evaluate the likely practical consequences of given legal strategies.Exercise Professional Judgment and Adaptability: Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations as needed.Maintain Effective Professional Relationships: Interact professionally and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers, government officials, and the public.Digital & Technology ProficiencyMicrosoft Office Suite & Internet-Based Programs: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and the ability to effectively navigate web-based applications relevant to assigned job responsibilities.Digital Data and Records Literacy: Ability to work with digital data, reports, and electronic records in an accurate and responsible manner.Cybersecurity Awareness: Adherence to agency cybersecurity policies and responsible handling of digital information.Education & Experience RequirementsMinimum EducationJuris Doctor Degree: A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is required.Minimum ExperienceProfessional Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years' experience as a licensed attorney.Communication Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex information to stakeholders of various levels.Government Law Experience: Prior governmental law experience, preferably representing governmental entities.Licenses & Certifications RequirementsFlorida Bar Admission: Admission to, and good standing with, the Florida Bar.Preferred/Desirable Education & ExperienceManagement Experience: Management experience, especially supervising other attorneys, whether they are in-house or outside counsel.Local Government Representation: Experience with local government representation.Insurance Experience: Experience with insurance (policies, handling claims, etc.).Litigation Experience: Experience as litigation counsel to clients.Specialized Legal Experience: Experience in the transportation field, complex transactions involving government entities, public finance, real estate, personnel employment matters, or any combination of these subjects.Supplemental InformationWriting Sample RequirementLegal Memorandum Submission: Candidates will be required to provide a legal memorandum they prepared.