Deputy General Counsel

Closing Date: 10th May, 2024

Description:

Basic Purpose of Position:
The purpose of this position is to be responsible for assisting the General Counsel in the performance of the legal work of the organization as directed and required. Supervises Assistant General Counsel and legal department support staff as directed by the General Counsel.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Authority will adhere to all applicable laws and regulations in assessing an employee's ability to carry out or otherwise meet the job requirements set forth herein in a satisfactory manner.

Major Responsibilities and Duties
Description of Task

• Consult and coordinate with the General Counsel with respect to legal issues necessary to carry out functions of the department.
• Supervise Assistant General Counsel and legal department support staff as directed by the General Counsel. Plan, delegate and monitor completion of tasks and special projects. Recommend hire, review, train, motivate and counsel department staff reporting to position.
• Analyze legal problems and perform legal research; prepare legal opinions on matters affecting the DRPA, PATCO and/or subsidiaries, Board of Commissioners, Chiefs, Directors, staff and/or employees.
• Coordinate and monitor litigation matters for the DRPA, PATCO and/or subsidiaries; assist in the preparation and presentation of litigation matters, preparation of pleadings, discovery proceedings, preparation of witnesses, depositions, trial preparations, preparation of briefs and moving papers; attend hearings and trials as required. Evaluate, prepare and initiates claims and legal actions against third parties for damages to property and facilities of the DRPA, PATCO and/or subsidiaries. Investigate and represent the DRPA, PATCO and/or subsidiaries, officers and staff at administrative investigations and hearings as required. Handle legal issues by responding to regulatory and other inquiries, complaints, and disputes; and negotiating conclusions.
• Research, draft and review legislation and regulations pertinent to and/or affecting the DRPA, PATCO and/or subsidiaries, make analyses regarding their impact upon the DRPA, PATCO and/or subsidiaries; recommends guidelines, policies and procedures concerning compliance with applicable laws and regulations; coordinates legislative activity with the office of Government Relations. Complies with federal, state, and local requirements by studying existing legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising senior management on needed actions.
• Research, draft and review contracts, operating agreements, leases, licenses, permits and other legal documents relating to the operation, design, construction, repair, maintenance, sale, transfer and use of the property and facilities of the DRPA, PATCO and/or subsidiaries; review and analyze legal aspects of contractors' claims.
• Responsible for the legal functions relating to the acquisition, transfer, purchase, sale, and use of real property.
• Draft and periodically review administrative and operations documents, policies and procedures for adherence to, and compliance with, all applicable statutes, rules, regulations and established legal precedent.
• Attends Board meetings, committee meetings and other meetings as directed by the General Counsel.
• Assists in maintaining a safe and secure work environment by participating in required training, recognizing and reporting hazards and suspicious activity, and using all required personal protective equipment.
• In the absence of the General Counsel carries out his/her duties as directed.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned by the General Counsel.

Core Value Competencies

• Safety: We promote safety in all we do. Our commitment to the safety of our customers and employees is paramount.
• Integrity: We are committed to the highest level of ethical conduct, personally and corporately. We accomplish this by being open and honest, and by meeting our commitments to each other, our customers, and our region.
• Customer Service: We deliver the best, highest quality service to our customers because they are our primary concern. We provide quality service by focusing on both internal and external customers.
• Quality: We value and recognize quality performance and strive for the highest quality in all we do. We accomplish this by monitoring our work, systems and processes and taking action to ensure that they meet or exceed standards.
• Teamwork: We work as a team. We encourage our employees to develop and contribute their talents cooperatively. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed. Effective teamwork includes working cooperatively with others as part of a team- as opposed to working individually or competitively- to accomplish shared objectives.
• Communication: We encourage communication in and between all parts of our Authority because we believe the free exchange of information is vital to unity, effectiveness and service among our employees, and to our customers and the region we serve. We are committed to delivering clear, effective communications and taking responsibility for understanding others.
• Innovation: We are leaders in finding new approaches and encouraging new ideas. We welcome the exchange of new ideas to improve the Authority. We foster and initiate new ideas, methods and solutions to support the mission and objectives of the Authority.
• Dependability & Accountability: We can be relied upon to do the work that's required every time. We are consistently at work and on time, ensuring that work responsibilities are covered and expected results are achieved.
• Self-Development: We take steps to ensure continued learning and professional growth.
• Leadership: We exhibit confidence in self and others; inspire respect and trust; react well under pressure; shows courage to take action; motivate others to perform well; provide guidance and direction for the mutual benefit of the individual, the team and the organization as a whole.
• Strategic Thinking & Planning: We focus on the decisions and processes that determine the direction of the organization and that shape its future. We engage in a continuous and systematic process whereby future plans, projections, outcomes and success measures are established and evaluated.
• Managing Staff Performance: We manage the employee/employer relationship to ensure that employees are supported in meeting performance expectations and achieving departmental and organizational goals.
• Problem-Solving: We accurately assess problems and effectively and efficiently arrive at excellent solutions.
• Team Building: We provide direction and leadership to help teams achieve shared objectives and operate cooperatively and cohesively. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Legal Secretary
• Assistant General Counsel as directed by the General Counsel

Education/Training/Experience:
Required:

• Graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) or the proper state authorities.
• 7 to 10 years' experience in general legal practice, with particular experience in the areas of civil litigation, labor, employment, contract drafting and review, real property conveyance, and public corporate law and procedures.
• Admission to Pennsylvania and New Jersey Bars and maintenance of “good standing” as defined by the applicable Bar, including meeting all continuing legal education requirements.
• Experience and proficiency in relevant personal computer applications such as word processing and spreadsheet applications and internet and on-line legal research.

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