Senior Legal Counsel - Labor & Employment

Salary range is $140k to $240k with a midpoint of $190k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general direction, the Senior Legal Counsel provides professional senior level legal counsel to the Agency on a variety of highly complex legal matters, focusing on labor and employment issues in public employment.

The role has independent decision-making responsibility for assigned legal matters; negotiates, drafts and approves agreements; comments on proposed legislation; prepares or reviews legal documents; and provides specific and strategic legal advice directly to senior management and board members on significant legal matters that affect the overall Agency. Provides support to the General Counsel on miscellaneous matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Performs legal research and analysis in support of legal department advice and counsel to the Agency on a variety of labor matters including issues related to the NLRA, PERC, and other applicable labor law matters.
• Perform legal research and analysis in support of legal department advice and counsel to the Agency on a variety of employment law issues surrounding the ADA, Paid Leave, FMLA, state and federal wage and hour laws, state and federal employment discrimination statutes, FLSA, equal pay, diversity, drug-free workplace, labor relations and contract negotiations, employee discipline and termination, whistleblower complaints, wrongful discharge claims, drafting employment agreements and policies, and other employment law matters.
• Provides representation and/or manage outside counsel before state and federal administrative agencies, including the NLRB, PERC, EEOC, state and local human rights agencies, the Department of Labor, other labor and employment related agencies, as well as in mediations and arbitrations for both represented and non-represented employees.
• Prepares, reviews, and approves a variety of complex Agency agreements including settlement agreements.
• Prepares, drafts, and/or revises legal documents, including letters, memos, employment , policies and other complex legal documents.
• Manages Agency litigation; supervises assigned outside legal counsel; and represents the Agency in mediations and attends trials.
• Reviews new and existing statutes and regulations that may affect the Agency; advises staff on the impact of new or existing statutes and regulations; assists in policy and legislative development; provides recommendations to senior management.
• Develops a strong knowledge of Sound Transit's operation, including upcoming legal and business challenges; and remains aware of the political and business climate in which Sound Transit must operate.
• Ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; and ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
• Provides support to the General Counsel and ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate Degree. Ten years of increasingly responsible relevant substantive legal experience in labor and employment law in a law firm, agency, or in-house legal department, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Washington State Bar License or bar license from another state, with the expectation of obtaining Washington Bar license within 6 months of employment.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard hybrid office environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.