Associate General Counsel

Marketing Statement

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.

Pay Rate
$175,298.00/annually - $265,577.00/annually (Non-Represented Pay Band 13)

Initial salary is negotiable between $220,000.00 - $257,000.00, commensurate with experience and education.

Reports To
General Counsel, J Zelan

Current Assignment
The incumbent in this position is responsible for assisting in the management, supervision, and coordination of the activities and operations of the General Counsel's Office. The incumbent will be providing a full range of legal services to the District, including preparation of legal opinions, research support, representation in legal actions, document preparation, and related legal services. The position is also responsible for providing highly complex and specialized support to the General Counsel and performs related duties as assigned.

Selection Process
Applications will be screened to assure that minimum qualifications are met. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will then be referred to the hiring department for the completion of further selection processes.
The selection process for this position may include a skills/performance demonstration, a written examination, and a panel and/or individual interview.

The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S; pass a pre-employment medical examination which may include a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include a background check. (Does not apply to current full-time District employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations).

1. Directs and manages the operations and activities of the District's General Counsel's Office including preparation of legal opinions, research support, representation in legal actions, document preparation and related legal services; provides direction to staff attorneys regarding assignments and ensure quality of written product.
   
2. Assists and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the General Counsel's office; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
   
3. Directs legal representation for program areas; handles the most complex legal matters related to District operations.
   
4. Provides advice to Human Resources regarding particularly sensitive or complex employee issues.
   
5. Researches and prepares legal opinions for the Board of Directors, General Manager, executive managers, committees and other District staff, as appropriate.
   
6. Directs the handling of District cases involving Federal and State authorities or labor arbitration.
   
7. Advises on contractual matters, procurements, construction contracts, federal grants, professional service agreements and related contract disputes prior to litigation.
   
8. Coordinates activities of outside legal counsel and legal specialists engaged by the District for specialized legal services; analyzes costs.
   
9. Oversees and directs litigation in a variety of areas; directs the preparation of litigation documents including pleadings, briefs, motions and responses.
   
   
10. Monitors developments and legislation related to assigned areas of responsibility; evaluates impact upon District operations; recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements.
    
11. Participates in the selection, training, motivation and evaluation of assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
    
12. Participates in the development and administration of the General Counsel's office budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
    
13. Serves as the liaison for the General Counsel's Office with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
    
14. Serves as staff on a variety of commissions and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
    
15. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the legal field.
    
16. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints
    
    
17. Assumes management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the General Counsel's Office in the absence of the General Counsel
    
    
18. Advises the Board of Directors on Board Appointed Officers Compensation, Benefits and Contracts.

Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Juris Doctorate required.

Experience:
Nine (9) years of (full-time) professional verifiable experience in a public sector legal department or related experience, which must include at least two (2) years of management experience.

License or Certificate:
Active membership in the California State Bar.

Knowledge of:

• Employment Law
• District policies and procedures
• Board of Director policies, procedures and rules
• Operational characteristics, services and activities of comprehensive public agency legal services program
• State and Federal statutory, case, administrative and constitutional law
• Principles of contract, labor, constitutional, and administrative law
• Rules of evidence for trials and administrative hearings
• State and Federal court rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Principles, materials and methods of legal research
• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting District operations
• Statutes and codes applicable to various proceedings
• Principles and practices of program development and administration
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration
• Related Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations

• Participating in the management of a comprehensive legal services program
• Selecting, supervising, training and evaluating staff
• Participating in the development and administration of goals, objectives and procedures
• Researching, analyzing and applying legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents
• Providing legal advice and counsel
• Preparing complex documents including ordinances, resolutions, statutes and contracts
• Preparing, presenting and conducting trials and legal appeals
• Presenting legal statements and arguments clearly and logically in both written and oral form
• Using a wide variety of legal research methods. Preparing and administering large program budgets
• Preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports
• Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
• Researching, analyzing and evaluating new service delivery methods and techniques
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Equal Employment OpportunityGroupBox1

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at .

Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at .