Counsel, Litigation

WORK OBJECTIVE:

This is responsible professional level legal work of significant complexity involving delivery of a variety of legal services to NFTA. Legal services include litigation, the review and/or preparation of legal documents and the preparation of motions, briefs and legal opinions. Responsibilities will include representation of NFTA in legal matters, trials, appeals, arbitrations, mediations, and hearings in all Federal, State, and local courts;

negotiation and preparation of legal documents; provide advice and counsel, render opinions and prepare memoranda of law to assist various divisions, department heads, and staff members. Work is performed under the supervision of the General Counsel. The duties are reviewed through observation, conferences, reports and evaluation of results achieved.

• Defend the Authority and Metro in personal injury litigation; including but not limited to: motor vehicle accidents; premises liability cases; police professional liability matters; and No-Fault insurance issues under the supervision and direction of the General Counsel.
• Represent the Authority in all federal, state and local courts and before governmental agencies and legislative bodies (e.g., drafting pleadings; preparing arguments and motions; participating in discovery, conducting depositions, pre-trial conferences, trials and appeals; selecting arbitrators; presenting the Authority’s case; examining witnesses; drafting opinions and briefs; negotiating out-of-court settlements).
• Provide legal advice to other departments (e.g., conducting research and responding to inquiries, ensuring compliance with internal and external agency guidelines and federal and state statutes, rules and regulations).
• Negotiate and prepare legal documents (e.g., releases, indemnifications, pleadings, discovery responses and arbitration, mediation, trial and appellate briefs).
• Conduct legal research concerning legal issues or projects, and prepare reports, memoranda and opinions containing proposed or recommended courses of action.
• Conduct investigations and interviews based upon alleged or potential legal issues and prepare reports or opinions based upon findings made.
• Perform additional duties and tasks as assigned.

Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research, including use of electronic research platforms such as Lexis. Thorough knowledge of the laws of New York, civil practice law and rules, rules of evidence, insurance coverage, No-fault insurance, tort law, common carrier laws, rules and regulations, governmental and public entity liability. Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with court personnel, government officials, all levels of employees within the organization, external stakeholders, and the general public.

Ability to analyze legal principles and precedents and apply them to complex legal issues. Ability to present persuasive legal arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form. Independently present difficult and complex cases in court. Knowledge of math to calculate damages and settlement figures. Ability to prioritize and work in a deadline driven, fast-paced environment. Excellent technical and computer skills.

Proficiency in or ability to learn the Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Must display attention to detail, excellent judgment, and the ability to handle issues and information in the most confidential manner.

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).

Work is performed in usual office conditions with rare exposure to disagreeable environmental factors.

Graduation from an ABA accredited law school with a Juris Doctor Degree, possession of a State of New York license as a practicing attorney, admission to the New York State Bar and Federal Court Bar in the Western District of New York, and at least seven (7) years of responsible litigation and jury trial experience. The ideal candidate will have experience pertaining to the public sector and governmental/municipal law.

TO APPLY:

Send NFTA employment application, resume and cover letter specifying the job number 036-26-N to: NFTA Human Resources, 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 or email to:  Final date to receive applications:
March 18, 2026.

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.