Litigation Attorney; Junior - Senior Levels

About the Role

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Law Department has multiple opportunities for highly qualified litigation attorneys, ranging from junior to senior levels, to join its Manhattan-based, 125+ attorney team and work on challenging, high-impact matters supporting iconic infrastructure across the New York/New Jersey region.

Litigation attorneys at the Port Authority handle defense of the agency in a variety of areas, including personal injury claims arising at our transportation facilities and in our many activities regulated by state and federal authorities. Attorneys also bring actions against a wide range of commercial counter parties. The job requires significant time in court.

The selected candidate will have an ability to contribute in a meaningful way to current and future regional transportation programs and a broad array of initiatives that the Authority is undertaking in the New York-New Jersey region.

• Proficient in civil procedure in state and federal courts in New York and New Jersey; excellent oral and written advocacy skills and significant court appearances, including trials.
• Represent the Agency in state and federal court proceedings and administrative proceedings involving commercial matters in New York and New Jersey
• Prepare cases for and manage litigation at all levels and at various stages, including but not limited to demand, mediation, motion practice, discovery, trial, and appeal
• Manage significant financial, strategic, and reputational risks to the agency while eliciting input from key internal stakeholders and communicating effectively with senior management
• Fully able to advise on litigation strategy and assess likelihood of prevailing in litigation
• Able to negotiate settlements, including drafting and effectuating settlement agreements
• Ensure the Port Authority conducts its business in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Advise the General Counsel and other senior management on litigation matters pertaining to the Port Authority
• Stay abreast of new laws, legal decisions and legislative actions that affect the Port Authority and advise senior staff of their implications

• Law degree from a top tier or highly regarded law school
• Member of the Bar in good standing in New York and New Jersey
• A minimum of 2+ years of litigation experience for entry-level roles, 5+ years for mid-level roles, and 10+ years for senior-level roles; including significant courtroom advocacy and trials, gained through a combination of law firm and in‑house or government roles of increasing visibility and responsibility.
• Detail‑oriented with strong litigation, analytical, and drafting skills, accompanied by outstanding communication skills
• Proven track record to perform effectively under pressure and to reconcile conflicting priorities toward resolution
• Exercise sound judgment, with savvy approach to recognition of intersection of public, business, and political components of work
• Ability to think strategically and to act decisively regarding legal challenges facing the agency with the ability to balance and manage risk within time constraints
• Ability to take ownership of and responsibility for managing legal work on large, complex projects with aggressive completion deadlines
• Operate in a constantly evolving complex legal environment, while maintaining the highest ethical standards and integrity
• Ability to train and mentor attorneys with different skill levels
• Creative problem‑solver with high integrity and ethics; able to find pragmatic legal solutions to business issue
• Emphasis on professional and self‑development
• Engagement among colleagues and business teams in a collegial and business‑friendly manner

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in‑depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that…