WORK OBJECTIVE:

This position is the Chief Legal Officer for the NFTA and is responsible for all legal opinions, advice and counsel that may be required. Work involves responsibility for preparing all contracts, bonds and other instruments in writing in which the NFTA is concerned, for performing legal research, preparing opinions, advising officials, and for representing NFTA in complex litigation and administrative proceedings. Supervision is exercised over a staff performing legal and clerical work, and also oversees and manages the work of outside counsel. In addition, this position has supervisory responsibility for the Authority’s Procurement Business Center, FOIL department and Central Administration Services. Further, the General Counsel is the Authority’s Ethics Officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position. • Represents NFTA in all legal matters, including the bringing and defending of suits. • Attends meetings of the NFTA Board and Board Committees of the NFTA; advises in reference to legal questions. • Drafts contracts, leases, and Board Resolutions. • Represents the NFTA before various local and state departments and other governmental subdivisions. • Answer public inquiries in reference to legal matters. • Direct and manages the work of legal and clerical assistants, the procurement department and the Freedom of Information Law. • Review work performance of all direct management staff. • Advises and makes recommendations to the NFTA Board of Commissioners on the most appropriate legal action for all legal matters. • Develop and advise of authority policies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Working knowledge in the areas of litigation, negligence, contract, construction, procurement, property, environmental and administrative law, surety and insurance. A working knowledge of business, finance and commercial relationships, and working managerial experience. Ability to develop new departmental guidelines, policies and procedures. Ability to apply judgment to settle claims. Ability to negotiate the resolution of controversies and the terms of contractual relationships. Ability to ensure complete compliance with changing laws and regulations. Ability to provide cost effective legal representation within budget constraints. Ability to plan, assign and review the work of legal and clerical assistants to ensure that departmental goals and objectives are met. Also, must be able to conduct discussions and present the Authority’s position on legal matters with various lobbyists, lawmakers and community leaders.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in usual office conditions with rare exposure to disagreeable environmental factors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree, possession of a New York State license as a practicing attorney and admission to the New York State Bar, and ten (10) years of professional experience as an attorney, which includes a minimum of five (5) years of experience pertaining to the public sector and governmental law.

NOTE:

TO APPLY: Send NFTA employment application, resume and cover letter specifying the job number 115-25-N to: NFTA Human Resources 181 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203 Or email to: application_intake@nfta.com

OTHER:

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply