Description:

*This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire. *

Summary:
This position is for a senior level leasing and transactional counsel who provides support to the Deputy General Counsel/Unit Chief, Real Estate Transactions and Operations. This position will represent MTA in connection with real estate, contracting, transactional and commercial related legal matters so as to protect and preserve MTA's legal interests and to work collaboratively with the MTAHQ real estate department to efficiently and cost-effectively facilitate the use, acquisition and disposition of real property interests and other assets that are critical to the operations of MTA and its operating agencies including working with in-house and outside consulting leasing staff on a variety of tenant management issues. The position is responsible to assist Senior Management in developing legal strategy to achieve business objectives and provide support and assistance to the Deputy General Counsel/Unit Chief Real Estate Transactions and Operations, agency General Counsels, MTA General Counsel and Senior Management in the formulation and negotiation of agreements relating to all operational real property interests and other assets as well as capital projects and to negotiate contract terms and conditions, draft MOUs with other governmental entities, and develop related policies, legislation and guidance documents as needed.

Responsibilities:

The incumbent is responsible to render advice, analysis and guidance to Senior Management, MTA and agency departments on complex contract/transactional issues involving major project initiatives, including document review and analysis and legal research and requiring the ability to understand advanced technical, legal and business issues and objectives associated with major projects and complex transactional matters. The position develops and recommends contract terms and negotiation strategies and consults with User Departments and Senior Management with respect to the effect of different proposals and alternatives. The position interfaces with MTA agencies and outside parties to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulatory requirement and attainment of agency objectives.
The position is required to advise on, analyze, and research historical agreements between the MTA and its subsidiaries and affiliates (or any of their predecessors-in-interest) and other governmental agencies and/or third parties.
The position is responsible to negotiate and draft various real estate related documents including lease agreements, license agreements, easements, utility permits and memoranda of understanding with governmental entities and third parties regarding coordination of activities with respect to MTA owned property, adjacent properties, and use of public streets, rights of way, and parklands, to name a few.
The position is required to provide guidance and support and coordinate with other MTA and agency departments, including MTA Risk Management, in connection with insurance requirements under the various contracts including entry permits lease agreements and license agreements. The position is also required to provide advice and support to various departments in the defense and resolution of claims arising under various agreements.
The incumbent is required to perform other assignments as requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and computer skills.
Excellent negotiating, drafting, and practice-management skills and business judgment.
High level of experience negotiating and closing complex real estate transactions, including providing legal and business advice to complex company-wide negotiations for RE related matters
Able to read analyze and interpret pertinent statutes, regulations, cases, and policies.
Evaluate applicable facts and circumstances of a matter in order to provide advice on appropriate RE document to be utilized.
Propose creative and efficient legal and business structures for meeting business goals and mission of the MTA
Strong interpersonal, analytical, problem solving, organizational, drafting and communication skills.
Ability to manage a diverse and heavy volume of matters and to assist client in determining priorities.
Proven capability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
Ability to identify creative, business-oriented solutions to legal and business risks.
Review outside counsel work product

Education and Experience: Required
Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school and New York State Bar Admission and license to practice law, maintained in good standing throughout employment.

In addition, a minimum of six years of general legal experience, preferably in the public sector, is required.

The incumbent is also expected to have a high level of experience in negotiating and closing complex financial, commercial or real estate transactions, and good research skills are essential.

The ability to make decisions regarding legal compliance is critical.