Description:

Your “Take Off” will be successful by doing the following with excellence:
This is a rare opportunity to be an integral part of the Department of Legal Services at An Independent, Governmental Entity during these exciting times. The Attorney will be responsible for providing legal advice and services on a wide range of matters, including and most importantly for this role, contract review, drafting and negotiation, risk management, governance, as well as compliance and regulatory issues.

As a trusted member of our team, the Attorney will identify, analyze, and provide advice to these internal business units on a variety of legal matters in support of the Authority's operations. We understand that you won't have prior experience giving advice to every one of these business units, however, the successful candidate will have the desire and initiative to quickly learn these areas and become an in-house expert.

You will need to be a problem-solver; balancing internal clients' needs and expectations, with legal and regulatory requirements to develop a solution that advances the Authority's goals. Teamwork, integrity, accountability, positivity and a proactive, business mindset are key qualities required for this role. Members of the Legal Services department are expected to act as both legal counsel and business partners to the Authority's business units, working in a collaborative and respectful manner.

The Attorney will report to the Managing Senior Attorney and must be highly organized, professional, solution driven, customer service oriented, and pragmatic in his/her/their approach, as well as efficiently work both collaboratively and autonomously. Responsibilities include:
  • Prepare, review, negotiate, and/or approve all contracts and other legal documents, as well provide direction and assistance to Authority staff relating to the drafting, approval, and negotiation of such contracts. These contracts may include IT related agreements, vendor and consultant contracts, professional services agreements, maintenance, supply chain and procurement contracts, real estate lease and sale agreements, concession agreements, airport use/operating and lease agreements, as well as agreements with airlines, the FAA, and other government entities.
  • Resolve contractual disputes through settlement discussions and the application of contractual rights and obligations prior to litigation.
  • Provide legal guidance and ensure compliance with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4582, Ohio ethics and open meeting laws, as well as the Ohio Public Records Act, including responding to public records requests.
  • Provide legal research, analysis, recommendations, and written memoranda on issues facing the Authority.
  • Support the Authority's compliance programs and provide advice and counsel as needed regarding environmental laws, FAA regulations and grant requirements, and ethics, as well as ADA and Title VI matters.
  • Review and provide input on complex workers' compensation claims and settlements and insurance claims;
  • Review, analyze, and draft legislation for introduction at state level and review, analyze, and comment on federal proposed regulations and legislation.
  • Review work product related to Board of Directors' Resolutions and assist the Executive Office as needed.
  • Engage with and manage outside legal services as needed.
  • Effectively prepare for, and participate in, litigation in the prosecution and defense of claims on behalf of the Authority.
  • Assist with the development and administration of the Authority's Bylaws, internal policies, and Rules and Regulations, including drafting, periodic revision, and interpretation of such.
  • Perform related work as required.

Your “Landing” will be smooth if you meet the following requirements:
  • J.D. from an accredited law school
  • Two (2) to five (5) years of relevant experience in relation to the job duties listed above.
  • Licensed to practice law in Ohio and in good standing or licensed in another state with ability to become licensed or registered as in house counsel in Ohio as soon as possible upon hire.
  • Preference for one or more of the following: in house counsel experience at a State of Ohio public entity with emphasis on contract drafting and negotiations; corporate in house legal department experience performing work in the areas outlined above; strong experience at a national or regional law firm performing work as outlined above with public sector representation; experience at a law firm specializing in aviation law.