At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Senior Lead Counsel - Litigation provides day-to-day legal counsel, representation and support to MassDOT and the MBTA in all litigation matters involving MassDOT and the MBTA and manages litigation within the Litigation Center of Excellence reporting to the Managing Counsel, Litigation.

• Provide legal counsel and advice to various departments within the MBTA and MassDOT in the areas of litigation and liability/risk exposures to both agencies. 
• At the direction of the Managing Counsel, manages the administrative, claims, and litigation activities of the Litigation COE, including supervision of professional, paralegal and support personnel.
• Supervises attorneys within the Litigation COE, Litigation, and outside counsel.
• Handles significant litigation matters on behalf of the MBTA, including discovery, depositions, and court appearances, negotiations, mediations and alternative dispute resolution of litigated matters.
• Serves as first chair on litigation matters handled by Counsel, Tort and on significant injury and general litigation matters involving the MBTA, with the assistance of Senior Counsel, Tort Litigation. 
• Performs claims and case assessments, evaluates exposures and reserves, and participates in MBTA budget process, audits and risk management evaluation.
• Monitors status of claims, suits and potential legal actions, assuring timely handling of each and effective representation of the MBTA.
• Prepares reports on case status, exposures and dispositions for management, including but not limited to, Managing Counsel, Litigation.
• Reviews and approves expenses within budget.
• Maintains data in case management system on a timely and complete basis.
• Coordinates with the MBTA and MassDOT Risk Management units and Treasurer's Offices in support of insurance programs and risk management matters.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• Supervises attorneys within the Litigation COE, Litigation, and outside counsel.

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited institution
• Member in good standing of the Massachusetts and Federal Bars, or ability to obtain bar admission within 6 months of hire with annual certification and registration by the Board of Bar Overseers.
• Ten (10) years of litigation experience.
• Three (3) years of experience supervising attorneys.
• Extensive practical experience with matters involving public employers under the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act.
• Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, quantitative, writing, multi-tasking and time management skills.
• Proficient with the use of MS Office applications, cloud-based matter and claims management platforms (Legal Stratus, Origami, etc.), LexisNexis, various Massachusetts and Trial Court web-based filing and docketing programs.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and present effectively to a diverse group of stakeholders and customers.
• Advanced decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and planning / organizational skills.

None

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Ability to manage and prioritize a high-volume workload
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced work environment
• Experience in government or with highly regulated industry or clients
• Ability to manage and mentor legal and support personnel
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven problem-solving skills and sound judgment
• Ability to comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. Successful applicant must have English language skills required for the effective performance of the position.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse  workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
2. Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
4. Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
5. Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA, but a valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number are required prior to starting work. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
6. Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
7. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
8. On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
9. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
10. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
11. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
12. Intern / Co-Op / Fellow Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship, co-op, or fellowship at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on city from which the employee commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns, co-ops, or fellows.