Attorney (Contracts)

Basic Function

Assists Attorneys with providing sound, ethical, reliable, professional legal advice and counsel to the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO).  Performs duties with utmost care and attention in reviewing legal matters.  Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Develops terms and conditions of contracts for all assigned procurement projects.
• Negotiates, drafts and/or reviews transactions, contracts, agreements, memorandums or understanding and various other legal documents.
• Research legal issues related to transit law, administrative law, regulatory or contractual matters.
• Drafts and reviews scope of services, requests for proposals, requests for qualifications and other procurement related documents.
• Reviews federal and state legislative language and researches its effect on METOR, and drafts alternative language as needed.
• Provides advice and counsel during transactional/contract development drafting and negotiations regarding potential or actual disputes, legal issues, liability and analyzes liability or litigation exposure.
• Researches, drafts and develops agency guidelines and policies.
• Assists litigation counsel in contract or transactional claim development, defense or prosecution.
• Provides advice and counsel to Records Management division regarding METRO’s compliance with the local government Records Act.
• Provides advice and counsel to Open Records division regarding METRO’s compliance with the Texas Public Information Act including drafting briefs to the Attorney General.
• Assists General Counsel with legal issues related to METRO board governance matters.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and discretion in all aspects of client representation.
• Advocates for METRO’s interests in public forums when necessary, including public hearings, administrative proceedings, congressional proceedings, local or state governmental proceedings and any other necessary forum.
• Provides well-reasoned, thorough legal opinions and guidance on all legal matters effecting METRO.
• Assists and advises in regulatory and compliance audits as well as guidelines and procedures to all business partners.
• Assists METRO clients to ensure compliance with federal, state, county and local codes, laws, rules, guidelines and regulations.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited school of law is required.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum one (1) year of experience advising on transactional law or regulatory compliance matters (e.g., procurement law, public contract drafting, and negotiation) is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Active license to practice law in the State of Texas.  Knowledge of Texas rules of civil procedures, policies and other legal and court procedures, terminology, and documents; knowledge of the Texas Tort Claims Act; excellent research and writing skills.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.