GENERAL SUMMARY:
Assists the General Counsel in providing legal advice to the Board of Directors, agency, agency attorneys, outside counsel, agency vice presidents, assistant vice presidents, and other agency officers; handle matters in multiple areas of the law as assigned by the General Counsel; assist the General Counsel in the development and implementation of legal strategies that facilitate the accomplishment of agency goals and mission; assist the General Counsel in his/her role as the legal representative for DART by handling litigation, transactional, real estate, administrative and other legal matters in multiple areas of the law.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Works closely with DARTs Risk Management department in initial case preparation through issuance of preservation letters, recovery of forensic evidence and other initial tasks.
2. As needed, supports discovery efforts and attends motions and depositions in cases.
3. Provides legal support in connection with environmental issues and concerns.
4. Provides legal support needed to comply with Federal Transit Administration regulations and, as needed, other regulatory requirements associated with DART operations.
5. Provides secondary legal support to DART Police including internal affairs matters, operations advice and counsel, legislative support and training, as needed.
6. Provides secondary support on transactional and real estate matters, including DART right of way matters.
7. Performs legal research, legal writing, provides legal advice and support to the General Counsel, attorneys in the Legal Department, and executive management team on all issues within areas of assigned responsibility.
8. Interacts with other departments, as well as external contacts, such as outside counsel and governmental entities, concerning legal issues within areas of assigned responsibility.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

1. Doctorate of Jurisprudence from an accredited law school. Licensed by the State Bar of Texas or eligible for such licensing.
2. One to three years of experience as an attorney licensed to practice law. Prefer at least three years legal experience in one or more of following areas of law: litigation or Texas local government law.
3. Prefer legal experience working with a Texas local government or transit agency or Texas district attorneys office. Private sector experience helpful.
4. High ethical standards and the ability to uphold a fiduciary obligation to DART and the Legal Department in the handling of sensitive and confidential matters.
5. Demonstrate initiative, leadership and team-oriented skills.
6. Effective oral and written communication skills; excellent research, writing and organizational skills required.
7. Effective interpersonal skills to effectively and sensitively communicate with all levels of supervisory and non-supervisory employees, governmental entities, judges, outside counsel, opposing counsel, witnesses when litigating lawsuits and staff when providing advice, counseling, interacting in meetings and explaining complex legal information.
8. Ability to understand complex materials such as legal documents, case law, statutes, and to concentrate on details when preparing cases and opinions on legal questions, coordinating activities, preparing a variety of documents, or performing legal research.
9. Ability to be dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services. Acts with customers in mind. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
10. Ability to make good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment). Most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time. Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
11. Ability to pick up on technical things quickly. Can learn new skills and knowledge. Is good at learning new industry, company, product, or technical knowledge. Does well in technical courses and seminars.
12. Ability to be able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Can get messages across that have the desired effect.
13. Ability to quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all. Can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups. Can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise. Is seen as a team player and is cooperative. Easily gains trust and support of peers. Encourages collaboration. Can be candid with peers.
14. Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions. Can see hidden problems. Is excellent at honest analysis. Looks beyond the obvious and does not stop at the first answers.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works in an environment where there is minimum exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions to include dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while visiting DART's operating facilities, assuming incumbent is observing all policies and procedures, safety precautions and regulations, and using all protective clothing and devices provided.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V