Apply on Employer Site

Metropolitan Transportation Authority · 1 day ago

Labor Counsel

New York, NY

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level

$126K/yr - $158K/yr

6+ years exp

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City. The Labor Counsel is responsible for providing expert legal advice on Labor Relations matters to MTA senior staff and managers, representing the authority in disciplinary cases and trials.

Transportation/Trucking/Railroad

Responsibilities

Arbitrations and Administrative Tribunals. Serve as the authority’s legal advocate in contract grievances, disciplinary cases, arbitrations, trials, mediations, and administrative proceedings, ensuring that the Authority’s position is effectively presented

Formulates litigation strategy and settlements, prepares witnesses, gathers evidence, researches legal issues, drafts legal briefs and other litigation papers, presents oral arguments to arbitrators, mediators, and Administrative Law Judges

Serve as counsel to Authority management, providing day-to-day advice and legal evaluation in connection with disciplinary matters, labor issues, New York State Civil Service Law, contract interpretations, and policy formation

Ensure compliance with the legal obligations required under the collective bargaining agreements as well as under New York State and Federal law

Review labor legislation and formulate the Authority’s statement in support/statement in opposition to legislation. Ensure the Authority’s position on proposed legislation is delivered timely to the MTA’s legislative team

Evaluate evidence, assess possible litigation outcomes, draft disciplinary charges, formulate proposals, day-to-day contact and negotiations with union representatives to resolve litigation matters, and respond to information requests / FOIL requests for information sought by labor

Participate in collective bargaining negotiations, record minutes of collective bargaining negotiations, assist in developing collective bargaining strategies, and ensure the smooth implementation of collectively bargained terms. Negotiate labor contracts within cost guidelines and patterns set by the MTA

Participate in Labor/Management meetings. Prepare minutes from prior Labor/Management meetings. Address and resolve issues without the need for grievances or litigation, and maintain a channel of effective communication with the unions

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

Labor Relations expertiseLitigation strategyNew York State Civil Service LawArbitration knowledgeJ.D. degreeLegal advocacyCommunication skillsDecision makingNegotiation skillsTime management

Required

With wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, decision making and initiative, this position involves presenting the Authority's position in litigated proceedings as well as in day to day incidents involving disciplinary matters; advocating to judges, arbitrators, mediators, unions and senior level management that certain actions are necessary for the operational needs of the Authority and/or the resolution of disputes; proposing strategies to ensure the appropriate resolution of disputes that is consistent with law and the Authority's goals and policies

Preparation of litigation strategy and evidence

Presentation of evidence at arbitrations, administrative proceedings, and disciplinary conferences and trials

Knowledge of the statutory framework of labor relations in New York, including knowledge of New York State Civil Service Law, Administrative Law, and Taylor Law

Knowledge of OATH practice, arbitration, and labor administrative tribunals and their practices

Prioritize the heavy workload and demands of the Labor Relations department as well, to present cases to further the goals of the Authority

The position requires a strong legal advocate while maintaining a balanced approach to labor management issues

J.D. degree from an accredited Law School is required

Admitted to practice law in the State of New York is required

Minimum of 6 years of legal experience with primary emphasis on litigation and/or labor relations

Company

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Glassdoor3.6

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people in the 5,000-square-mile area fanning out from New York City through Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut.

Founded in 1834

New York, NY, US

10001+ employees