SALARY: $105K - $155K
GENERAL PURPOSE:
This Legal Counsel I position is expected to provide legal analysis and counsel on a variety of legal matters including; intergovernmental agreement negotiations; land use and development regulations; environmental law; municipal law and policy matters.
The Legal Counsel I classification is considered non-managerial professional, fully functional in all aspects of an industry/technical field. Positions at this level serve as a technical resource assisting in providing support and analysis to multiple functional areas. A Legal Counsel I works on moderately complex projects where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of variables using technical concepts competently and effectively.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the position:
- Provide legal research, analysis, and strategic advice on a variety of legal matters, including: land use permits, development regulations, environmental law, intergovernmental agreements, railroad and utility relocation agreement negotiations, policy formation, and general municipal law matters.
Review new and existing statutes and local regulations, particularly land use and development regulations, and provide legal and strategic advice regarding statutes and legislation. Prepare, review, and negotiate, agreements and other legal documents.
Work closely with project and permit teams to review and revise permit application materials before submittal to Agencies Having Jurisdiction (AHJ’s).
Review environmental documents, work closely with project teams to obtain environmental permits, and negotiate with regulatory agencies.
Prepare, draft, and/or revise a variety of legal correspondence including letters, memos, briefs, opinions, and other legal documents.
Assist in representing the Agency in litigation claims and cases including discovery, motion, and trial practices.
Assist in legislative matters including researching, reviewing and preparing resolutions, motions, policies, and other legislation, and provide recommendations to management staff;
Attend and participate in professional group meetings, and stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law.
It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience :
Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate degree. Three years of increasingly responsible legal experience in a law firm, in-house legal department or government legal department. Experience in land use, environmental, real estate or municipal laws preferred and non-Legal experience in these areas may also be considered.
Required License or Certificate:
Member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association or other state Bar Association with the expectation of obtaining the Washington Bar Association License .
Required Knowledge of the following:
• Basic legal principles, practices, and procedures;;
• Methods and techniques of legal research, negotiating legal issues, and agreements;
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence;
• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting litigation; and
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability and Skill to:
• Provide clear, cogent, and practical legal advice in person and through well-written documents;
• Engage in appropriate oral and written communication with variety of individuals including, employees, general public, elected officials, community leaders, and local, state, and federal agencies;
• Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies;
• Negotiate effectively with other parties;
• Manage multiple tasks concurrently, set objectives and goals, and be flexible to re-prioritize competing demands as needed;
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships, strong interpersonal skills, commitment and ability to work with diverse groups and individuals; demonstrate a curiosity and interest in all aspects of the Agency;
• Demonstrate a positive customer service orientation with both internal and external individuals;
• Maintain passion for learning and getting work done right;
• Tread water without making waves; and
• Maintain perspective and a sense of humor while working in a demanding, stressful and ever-changing environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
