GENERAL SUMMARY:
Directs, oversees and has ultimate responsibility for providing counsel and legal services to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) in all areas of law.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Directs, oversees and has ultimate responsibility for providing legal services to DART, including DART staff and the DART Board of Directors in all areas of law to include, but not limited to: litigation, transactional, real estate, personnel and labor relations, employment, procurement, Public Information Act, intellectual property, legislative, and general matters.
2. Organizes, coordinates, supervises and directs the Office of the General Counsel including: hiring, training, budgeting, and evaluating and counseling professional, administrative and clerical staff and if necessary, terminating subordinate personnel in accordance with established policies, procedures and guidelines.
3. Serves as DART?s counsel, in all matters of litigation and dispute resolution proceedings in all forums to include all levels of federal, state, and local courts, arbitration and mediation proceedings, and administrative hearings. Responsible for the preparation and presentation of cases on behalf of DART.
4. Serves as a member of the Public Integrity Committee (PIC).
5. Responsible for evaluating and rendering counsel on various fact situations in line with staff and Board Bylaws, Rules of Procedure, and agency policies.
6. Acts as Parliamentarian to the DART Board and committees. Familiarity with Roberts Rules of Order as necessary, as well as, understands and interprets DART Board Bylaws and Rules of Procedures.
7. Acts as a resource to and a liaison between the Office of the General Counsel, the Board and other DART departments, as well as external contacts by providing advice and counsel on legal matters to include; litigation, contracts, claims negotiations, general administration, governance, and other related actions.
8. Prepares and presents a variety of reports for Board and management review.
9. Drafts, and approves to form, all transactional documents including interlocal agreements, real estate documents, contracts and other documents.
10. Maintains centralized file for all legal documents.
11. Arranges for engagement of outside counsel, as required.
12. In coordination with the President/Executive Director, advises the Board and staff regarding legislation at the federal, state, and local level, and communicates changes and interpretation to Board and appropriate agency personnel. Recommends possible beneficial changes to federal, state and local laws for adoption.
13. Establishes and maintains knowledge of trends relating to public transportation agencies, city attorneys and transportation agency associations.
14. Oversees the management of an information system to track, manage and evaluate all aspects of DARTs legal programs.
15. Assists with the development of DARTs strategic goals, actions, and mission.

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 degree from an accredited and licensed law school. License from the State Bar of Texas in order to practice law or obtain within twelve months of hire.
2. Ten (10) years progressively responsible experience in public or private law practice, to include six (6) years of supervisory experience with a professional legal staff.
3. Experience with Texas local government legal matters and understanding of law applicable to Texas Transit agencies is preferred.
4. Personal computer (PC) and software applications to include word processing, spreadsheet, and database.
5. Highest levels of analytical skills and creativity to find solutions to highly complex legal, interpersonal, financial, professional, technical, and administrative problems.
6. Exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively and sensitively communicate with all levels of supervisory and non-supervisory employees, Board members, outside counsel, key government officials, civic and community leaders, and others inside and outside of DART.
7. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be comfortable in engaging in challenging discussions to resolve issues.
8. Ability to demonstrate a fiduciary obligation to DART in handling materials and information of a confidential nature.
9. Ability to clearly anticipate future consequences and trends; can create competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans.
10. Ability to build effective teams; defines success in terms of the whole team.
11. Ability to meet the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers.
12. Ability to make sound decisions based on a mixture of analysis, knowledge, experience and judgment.
13. Ability to communicate a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose; makes the vision sharable by everyone.
14. Ability to maneuver through complex political situations effectively and discreetly; sensitive to how people and organizations function.
15. Ability to be effective in a variety of formal presentations settings; is effective both inside and outside the organization.

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