Legal Counsel

Salary range is $120k to $210k, with a midpoint of $165k.  New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE: 

Provides independent professional legal counsel to the agency on a variety of complex public construction issues, contracts, procurements and claims associated with large transit infrastructure projects.

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.

• Assist in the drafting, negotiating and review of construction procurement solicitations, including those using alternative delivery methods, general and special conditions and documents necessary to contract with architects, engineers, and contractors, 
• Provide legal advice regarding design and construction contract procurement, contract interpretation, performance, and closeout.
• Manage protests and claims related to public A/E and construction contract disputes, including negotiations and mediations, 
• Supervise outside legal counsel.
• Provide legal advice directly to project staff on legal matters that affect large transit infrastructure projects, including contract negotiation, terms interpretation, federal funding (FTA) requirements, procurement process and procedures and claims management,  
• Advise the Managing Legal Counsels for Construction and the General Counsel on construction related matters.
• Develop strong knowledge of Sound Transit's construction project delivery practices, and legal and business climate, including Washington law and Federal Transit Administration funding requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and Agency policies. 
• 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. Seven years of increasingly responsible legal experience in the practice of law; 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 six months of employment.

Required Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of procurement and/or construction law.
• Experience drafting, negotiating and interpreting design and construction documents and contracts, 
• Experience in analyzing, researching, defending and pursuing construction-related claims before courts, mediators, arbitrators and for presentation to Dispute Review Boards.
• Experience advising clients throughout the design and construction process, including avoiding and resolving issues associated with change orders and claims, 
• Experience developing and implementing strategic and practical legal approaches that responsibly evaluate and balance legal risks with project demands, including in a collaborative contracting environment.
• Strong writing skills and demonstrated ability to prepare a variety of clear, concise legal documents, letters, agreements and memoranda.  
• Ability to manage multiple projects, establish and prioritize objectives/goals and schedules. 
• Ability to manage outside counsel. 
• Demonstrated consistent commitment and ability to work with diverse work groups. 

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Litigation background. 
• Knowledge of public contracting principles.

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.