Deputy General Counsel

Deputy General Counsel

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), operator of Tri-Rail, seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Deputy General Counsel. This unique opportunity involves providing legal advice and representation to the Governing Board and Executive Director on matters affecting agency governance, operations, compliance, and risk management. The role addresses procurement, public records law, insurance, real estate, litigation, HR, contract administration, and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Legal Counseling to Leadership: Assist the General Counsel in providing counsel and advice on legal matters to the Governing Board and Executive Director; conduct ongoing legal research of Federal and State laws and regulations; prepare oral and written legal opinions.
• Litigation: Oversee outside counsel in litigation matters, including discovery.
• Outside Counsel Oversight: Assist in the supervision of outside law firms that represent SFRTA, coordinating and monitoring services.
• Legal Document Drafting and Review: Draft policies, resolutions, contracts, leases, legislation, memoranda; review documents for legal form and sufficiency.
• Procurement Review: Provide legal advice on government procurement and review procurement documents.
• Legislative: Review, opine on, analyze, and draft State and Federal legislation, rules, and policies pertaining to SFRTA.
• Tort and Insurance Coordination: Assist in analyzing tort and liability claims and insurance policies; coordinate with FDOT and its attorneys on tort matters.
• Real Estate Matters: Review real estate matters and activities; assist in negotiations of transit-oriented development agreements, including long-term leases.
• Interagency Legal Coordination: Provide information to other public agencies regarding SFRTA operations, projects, policies, and procedures, including grants.

Additional Responsibilities

• Staff Coordination: Coordinate efforts of staff in resolving and responding to legal matters.
• Departmental Strategy Support: Assist the General Counsel with developing and overseeing the implementation of long- and short-term strategies and programs for the Legal Department.
• Board Presentations (As Requested): Recommend and present to the Governing Board on matters pertaining to legal services and risk management.
• Professional Support: Work closely with and support the General Counsel.
• Workload and Deadline Management: Manage multiple high-priority projects and meet internal and external deadlines.

Qualifications

• Knowledge
  • SFRTA Governance & Legal Authority: Organization, powers, duties, and limitations of the SFRTA and the Legal Department.
  • Federal and State Legal Frameworks: Applicable laws, regulations, and precedents.
  • Public Records & Sunshine Law: Florida’s Public Records and Sunshine Law.
  • Ethics & Public Sector Compliance: Florida’s Sunshine Law and Ethics laws applicable to public employees and officials.
  • Government Procurement Requirements: Competitive procurement processes, including State and Federal (especially Federal Transit Administration) requirements.
• Skills
  • Legal Research & Opinion Preparation: Conduct research and prepare sound legal opinions.
  • Legal Problem Solving: Identify issues, generate solutions and strategies, and implement selected approach.
• Ability
  • Communicate Legal Arguments Clearly: Present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly and logically.
  • Evaluate Legal Strategies and Consequences: Evaluate practical consequences of strategies.
  • Exercise Professional Judgment and Adaptability: Apply good judgment, flexibility, and creativity.
  • Maintain Effective Professional Relationships: Interact professionally with superiors, coworkers, government officials, and the public.
• Digital & Technology Proficiency
  • Microsoft Office Suite & Internet-Based Programs.
  • Digital Data and Records Literacy.
  • Cybersecurity Awareness.
• Education
  • Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum Experience
  • Professional Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years as a licensed attorney.
  • Communication Proficiency: Ability to communicate complex information to stakeholders.
  • Government Law Experience: Prior governmental law experience, preferably representing governmental entities.
• Licenses & Certifications
  • Florida Bar Admission in good standing.
• Preferred Experience
  • Management Experience: Supervising attorneys.
  • Local Government Representation.
  • Insurance Experience.
  • Litigation Experience.
  • Specialized Legal Experience: Transportation field, complex government transactions, public finance, real estate, personnel matters, etc.

Writing Sample Requirement

Candidates will be required to provide a legal memorandum they prepared.

Benefits

• State of Florida Retirement Package
• State of Florida Insurance Benefits
  • Health insurance (over 90% employer paid)
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
  • $25k Life Insurance (100% Employer Paid)
  • Employer Assistance Program (100% Employer Paid)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• State of Florida 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Paid Leave
  • 80 Hours Annual (Vacation) Leave
  • 96 Hours Sick Leave
  • 16 Hours Personal Leave
  • 10 Holidays
  • Up to 40 Hours Compensatory Leave
• 2x Salary Life Insurance, up to $200k (100% Employer Paid)
• Long-term Disability Coverage (100% Employer Paid)
• No-cost transportation on Tri-Rail to/from work; savings up to $1,860/yr
• Family Dependent Transit Pass – No-cost transportation on Tri-Rail
• No-cost on-site parking with access to free EV charging stations
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer

Equal Employment Opportunity

SFRTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran or military status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, and local laws.

Americans With Disabilities Act

SFRTA shall not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are applicants or employees. Candidates requiring accommodation must notify Human Resources at least 72 hours prior to interview.

Veterans’ Preference

Eligible veterans and spouses of veterans may receive preference in employment for certain positions. Applicants claiming veterans’ preference must submit required documentation at time of application. Preference applied as outlined in Florida law.

Drug-Free Workplace

SFRTA is a Drug-Free Workplace. Candidates who receive a conditional offer must submit to a drug screening. Refusal or a positive result may result in withdrawal of the job offer.

Background Checks

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including verification of education, prior employment, criminal history, and professional references. Unverifiable information may result in job offer rescission.

FLSA Classification

Positions are classified as exempt or non-exempt in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime pay.

Work Authorization

SFRTA hires only individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility is verified through the federal E-Verify system.

Certification Requirements

Employees holding positions that require certification after hire must obtain such certifications within the designated timeframe. Failure to meet certification requirements may result in termination.

Department of Revenue Child Support Services

SFRTA reports hired employees to the Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Services.

E-Verify

SFRTA participates in E-Verify to verify eligibility to work in the United States.

Errors and Omissions

This job description may be updated as necessary. Applicants should report discrepancies to Human Resources.

Nearest Major Market

Miami/Fort Lauderdale

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