General Counsel

Pierce Transit improves people’s quality of life by providing safe, reliable, innovative and useful transportation services that are locally based and regionally connected.

Pierce Transit is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking General Counsel to join our leadership team. In this key role, you will serve as the Agency’s chief legal advisor, providing trusted guidance to departments, staff, and the Board across a broad spectrum of legal and governance matters. The General Counsel leads legal strategy for the organization, overseeing litigation, transactions, contracting, policy development, open government compliance, and other essential functions that support effective public service. We are looking for a strategic partner who can also champion proactive, preventative legal approaches—developing policies, strategies, and programs that reduce risk while advancing Pierce Transit’s mission and long-term priorities.

BENEFITS: At Pierce Transit, our employees’ health and wellbeing is important to us!

That’s why we offer four on-site gyms and an incredible Wellness Program in addition to excellent medical, dental, and vision packages.

Pierce Transit employees participate in the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Employees must elect to participate in PERS Plan 2 or PERS Plan 3. Employees who have participated in the Tacoma Employee’s Retirement System (TERS) may elect to continue to participate in that system.

Employees in the PERS system do not pay the 6.2% Social Security tax but are still responsible for a 1.45% payment for Medicare.

Pierce Transit offers $5,000 per year (up to a total of $18,000) in Tuition Assistance after your one-year anniversary. Certifications, and career skills must be connected to a job at Pierce Transit.

Pierce Transit provides an ORCA Card benefit for each employee and a family member. This benefit provides free access to service on Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Seattle Monorail, Seattle Streetcar, King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Foot Ferry.

Full-time Pierce Transit employees receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, eligibility to earn 2 wellness days, 6 days of major sick leave, and 22 days of paid time off (PTO) per year. PTO accrual rates increase per policy.

The following functions are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Researches and responds to legal services requests submitted from all levels in the Agency. Performs legal research and prepares legal opinions on various issues or problems for Agency Departments, staff, and the Board as requested.
• Manages and negotiates underlying contracts and inter-local cooperation agreements and coordination of matters brought before the Pierce Transit Board.
• Attends public and closed sessions of Board and Committee meetings. Ensures compliance with Board policies and procedures and all open government laws.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates the Legal Department's work plan, and participates in various Agency programs and priorities.
• Drafts, revises, negotiates, and finalizes Agency contracts with outside vendors and other public agencies. Provides legal advice and support in development of contracting standards and bid documents on a variety of types of agreements including construction agreements, capital purchase, real estate, and other agreements related to accomplishing the Agency's objectives.
• Advises and directs Agency response to discovery and public records requests, involving document review, analysis of possible bases for exclusion, review and approval of all exclusions or objections to production, and/or preparation of defense.
• Oversees and advises on claims and litigation matters.
• Demonstrates reliable and consistent attendance.
• Performs related work as required.

Required

• Juris Doctor in Law from an American Bar Association accredited law school and
• Nine (9) years of experience practicing law

Desired

• Public sector experience desired.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision
• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Legal and judicial system and legal procedures
• Governance and ethics in public service principles and laws
• Governmental budget preparation and administration
• Legal terminology
• Business English
• Standard office procedures
• Microsoft Office products

Skill in: 

• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature (multi-tasking)
• Customer service
• Communications (verbal and written)
• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Organizational/time management skills
• Attention to detail
• Computer and database skills

Ability to: 

• Conduct complex legal research and analysis
• Evaluate competing legal principles
• Manage department resources
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and implement recommendations
• Prepare clear and enforceable legal documents
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Follow verbal and written instructions

Competencies

• Addressing and resolving conflict constructively by facilitating agreements between two or more parties.
• Makes well thought-out yet efficient decisions based on pertinent facts, relevant information and good judgment. Identifies key issues, analyzes cause-effect relationships, clarifies input from different sources, and reaches appropriate decisions in a timely manner.
• Understanding and utilizing formal and informal power structures to achieve objectives.
• Clearly assigns responsibilities for tasks and decisions; sets clear objectives and measures, monitors process, progress, and results; provides feedback to employees and management.
• Independently performing and accomplishing assignments and serving as a source of supply and support for the department, customers, and/or the organization.
• Works effectively within a variety of situations, quickly adapting and responding to change, sometimes under situation of stress.

Physical Requirements

• The position involves sedentary work, such as exerting up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Involves sitting most of the time, with common physical demands involving desk or office related work.

Working Conditions

• This position works in an office environment relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.

Representation

• Non-represented

Education

Any required education must come from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U S Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or foreign equivalent.

Application Instructions

To be considered for this vacancy, you must apply online:

1. The online application must include a chronological work history and/or education, applicants must also attach resumes and/or cover letters as required to be considered for this position.
2. Applicants must also attach a cover letter stating how they meet the qualifications for the position in order to be considered.  (Failure to submit a cover letter at the time of application will disqualify applicants from consideration)
3. At least 3 professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with names, phone numbers and email addresses.

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY

• Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
• Please ensure that your work history has been updated to include employment end dates as applicable.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the information provided in the supplemental questions and the content and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application at
• A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
• All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Pierce Transit Human Resources @ View phone number on jobradars.com or ***email_hidden***

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at View phone number on jobradars.com or email View email address on jobradars.com.

Pierce Transit Is An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Pierce Transit has a strong commitment to the community we serve and our employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Pierce Transit's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay and all other forms of compensation, including benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment.