OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Handles all aspects of legal transaction matters from inception to conclusion. Primarily responsible for understanding the law, engaging in negotiations, working with client department staff and drafting documents pertaining to matters in areas such as to railroad relationships/coordination and operation, real estate transactions, procurement, insurance, energy and sustainability, capital project construction and support, environmental law and governmental regulatory compliance. As a more senior level attorney, incumbent is expected to function independently, perform high- quality work, and to handle more complex matters than Corporate Attorney I.
 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Receives assignments from Deputy General Counsel as to the particular matters on which to work and undertake such work in an independent, thorough and competent fashion.
2. Engages in direct communications with client department staff in order to compile and understand all pertinent facts and circumstances related to a matter that requires legal action.  Ensures that all questions are asked that will draw out all relevant information which may potentially have legal implications.
3. Obtains, reviews and assesses facts and circumstances of an assignment to determine the best course of action and the appropriate legal vehicle to accomplish the objective(s).
4. Makes recommendations to Deputy General Counsel as to how matters should be handled, explain justification for such recommendations, identify risks and challenges, as well as benefits and potentiality of favorable outcomes.
5. Negotiates with opposing counsel to reach an agreement on outstanding issues so that conclusions are as favorable to SEPTA as is practical, and is in the best overall interests of SEPTA.
6. Performs legal research as necessary both to address questionable issues regarding specific matters, and to maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of the basic legal elements that are underlying the majority of the work performed by the Department.
7. Keeps client department staff informed of the progress of handling of a matter and any legal issues related thereto.
8. Makes recommendations to Deputy General Counsel on settlement proposals for potential claims related to corporate or regulatory matters. When a settlement proposal has been approve, communicates that proposal to the opposing counsel. Compile all documentation to support any settlement.
9. Investigates, assesses, and provides legal advice to client department staff, and SEPTA management on legal implications of business issues and questions. Coordinates cross-departmental efforts on matters that have a legal basis.
10. Organizes facts, shapes legal theories, and determines applicable foundational terms pertaining to legal matters and then drafts appropriate documents that accurately, clearly and thoroughly incorporate all of these. Works with client department staff to ensure that all aspects of an undertaking are reflected correctly and fully in the legal document. Works with Deputy General Counsel to finalize the structure, content and style of the legal documents, so that they will meet the standards of the General Counsel and is ready for General Counsel approval as to form. 
11. Demonstrates a level of expertise and competency to independently handle matters such as right-of-entry agreements, licenses, leases, easements, agreements of sale, basic construction contracts, simple procurement documents, utility agreements, PUC matters, zoning issues, and other land development issues, where the matters are of a complex nature.
12. Assists in and oversees the work of outside counsel on matters so assigned, and keeps the Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel informed of the progress of such matters.  Makes recommendations to the Deputy General Counsel and the General Counsel as to particular matters that should be assigned to outside counsel.
13. Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Must possess a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school in the United States and four (4) or more years of experience as a practicing attorney is required. 
• Corporate practice experience specifically pertaining to negotiating and drafting agreements and other legal documents related to, such areas as, railroad relationships/coordination and operation, real estate transactions, procurement, insurance, energy and sustainability, capital project construction and support, environmental law and/or governmental regulatory compliance is required.
• Must be admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. If the candidate is currently practicing within another state and not admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the candidate must be admitted to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania within one year of his/her appointment to the position, for continued employment.
• Candidate must display a high degree of professionalism and competence.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal skills and work ethic are required.