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ASSISTANT COUNSEL/ SENIOR ASSISTANT COUNSEL

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JOB DESCRIPTION
Definition
Under direction of the General Counsel or the Assistant General Counsel, a Senior Assistant Counsel represents VTA in complex legal matters and serves as primary counsel in complex cases in the areas of labor, contract, civil, and administrative law; and performs tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility and developed expertise.

Under general direction of the General Counsel, or other counsel as designated by the General Counsel, an Assistant Counsel represents VTA in a wide variety of legal matters, and serves as primary or secondary counsel in routine to fairly complex cases/matters in the areas of labor, contract, civil and administrative law (including real property law); and performs tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility. 

Distinguishing Characteristics
This highly advanced working level class serves under direction of the General Counsel or Assistant General Counsel. This class is distinguished from the Deputy General Counsel in that the Deputy General Counsel leads and supervises other attorneys in litigation and arbitration matters or in complicated business transactions. Employees in this class are required to obtain an advanced degree of comprehension and knowledge of the law related to public agencies and public transportation and how that law applies to the issues unique to the transportation industry and to public agencies. Employees in this class may also be responsible for the direction of lower level staff.

The Assistant Counsel is distinguished from the Senior Assistant Counsel in that the latter routinely works more independently, handles highly complex matters, and may serve as lead attorney. Assistant Counsel are typically responsible for less complex matters but are nevertheless required to obtain a degree of knowledge of legal processes and comprehension relative to the application of the law to enable him/her to handle, without much assistance, legal problems that normally occur in the public transportation law arena. 

Classification Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented

Typical Tasks

• Develops VTA defense and tries complex cases before state and federal trial and appellate courts and in labor arbitration hearings under collective bargaining agreements; coordinates litigation activities;
• Initiates claims and files lawsuits in appropriate forums to protect fundamental VTA interests;
• Plans, organizes, assigns, reviews and monitors work related to complex litigation and arbitration matters, including matters assigned to outside counsel; may provide guidance to other attorneys;
• Initiates, researches, analyzes and prepares legal opinions, briefs and pleadings;
• Advises VTA staff in contract, personnel, labor relations and business matters;
• Interprets, develops, drafts, and reviews VTA internal policies and procedures, legislation, contracts, other legal documents, and collective bargaining agreement language;
• Exercises discretion and independent judgment, commensurate with specialized legal skills and experience;
• Performs related duties as required.

Employment Standards
Sufficient training, education and public or private legal experience to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities for a Senior Assistant Counsel is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and five years of increasingly responsible experience in a public agency or private law firm.

Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities for an Assistant Counsel is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and three years of increasingly responsible experience in a public agency or private law firm. 

Membership in the California State Bar, or membership in another state Bar with ability to become a member of the California State Bar within six months from date of hire, is also required for both Assistant Counsel and Senior Assistant Counsel.

Knowledge of:

• State and federal court procedures;
• Statutory and case law and regulations applicable to public agencies;
• Legal principles, practices and procedures relating to contract, labor, real property, administrative, environmental, and construction matters particularly as applied to public agencies;
• Powers, duties, and scope of authority of California transit agencies;
• Methods and techniques of legal research;
• Policies and procedures applicable to public transit operations;
• Principles and practices of supervision.

• Analyze complex legal issues and apply relevant legal principles and practices;
• Prepare and present legal information in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing; make effective and persuasive legal arguments;
• Evaluate alternatives and make sound recommendations;
• Exercise initiative and independent judgment;
• Analyze complex legal issues and apply relevant legal principles and practices;
• Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with VTA personnel, colleagues, opponents, and other business contacts.