Staff Attorney - Contracts

Basic Function

Provides 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 all 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 of understanding, and various other legal documents
• Researches legal issues related to transit law, administrative law, public 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 METRO, and drafts alternative language if 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, local or state governmental proceedings, and any other necessary forum
• Exhibits exemplary teamwork and spirit of common purpose in the Legal Department
• Provides well-reasoned, thorough legal opinions and guidance on all legal matters affecting 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.
• 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 institution of law required.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum three (3) years’ experience advising on contracts and/or public law matters.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Active license to practice law in the State of Texas.  Some transactional drafting and negotiation experience preferred.

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.