Senior Lead Counsel, Litigation at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority – Boston, Massachusetts

Senior Lead Counsel - Litigation provides day-to-day legal counsel, representation and support to MassDOT and the MBTA in all litigation matters involving MassDOT and the MBTA and manages litigation within the Litigation Center of Excellence reporting to the Managing Counsel, Litigation.

• Provide legal counsel and advice to various departments within the MBTA and MassDOT in the areas of litigation and liability/risk exposures to both agencies.
• At the direction of the Managing Counsel, manages the administrative, claims, and litigation activities of the Litigation COE, including supervision of professional, paralegal and support personnel.
• Supervises attorneys within the Litigation COE, Litigation, and outside counsel.
• Handles significant litigation matters on behalf of the MBTA, including discovery, depositions, and court appearances, negotiations, mediations and alternative dispute resolution of litigated matters.
• Serves as first chair on litigation matters handled by Counsel, Tort and on significant injury and general litigation matters involving the MBTA, with the assistance of Senior Counsel, Tort Litigation.
• Performs claims and case assessments, evaluates exposures and reserves, and participates in MBTA budget process, audits and risk management evaluation.
• Monitors status of claims, suits and potential legal actions, assuring timely handling of each and effective representation of the MBTA.
• Prepares reports on case status, exposures and dispositions for management, including but not limited to, Managing Counsel, Litigation.
• Reviews and approves expenses within budget.
• Maintains data in case management system on a timely and complete basis.
• Coordinates with the MBTA and MassDOT Risk Management units and Treasurer's Offices in support of insurance programs and risk management matters.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• Supervises attorneys within the Litigation COE, Litigation, and outside counsel.

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited institution
• Member in good standing of the Massachusetts and Federal Bars, or ability to obtain bar admission within 6 months of hire with annual certification and registration by the Board of Bar Overseers.
• Ten (10) years of litigation experience.
• Three (3) years of experience supervising attorneys.
• Extensive practical experience with matters involving public employers under the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act.
• Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, quantitative, writing, multi-tasking and time management skills.
• Proficient with the use of MS Office applications, cloud-based matter and claims management platforms (Legal Stratus, Origami, etc.), LexisNexis, various Massachusetts and Trial Court web-based filing and docketing programs.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and present effectively to a diverse group of stakeholders and customers.
• Advanced decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and planning / organizational skills.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Ability to manage and prioritize a high-volume workload
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced work environment
• Experience in government or with highly regulated industry or clients
• Ability to manage and mentor legal and support personnel
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven problem-solving skills and sound judgment
• Ability to comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. Successful applicant must have English language skills required for the effective performance of the position.