Managing Legal Counsel – Construction

01/29/2025 11:43 AM | WWL Admin (Administrator)

Sound Transit has an outstanding opportunity for a Managing Legal Counsel – Construction.

Salary range is $170k to $260k, with a midpoint of $215k. 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 management level legal counsel to the agency on a variety of highly complex public works construction procurements and claims associated with large transit infrastructure projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Negotiate, draft and approve 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 document procurement, performance and closeout.
• Manage protests and claims related to A/E and construction disputes, including negotiations and mediations.
• Supervise assigned internal staff and outside legal counsel.
• Provide specific and strategic legal advice directly to senior management and Board members on significant legal matters that affect the overall Agency.
• Advise the General Counsel on construction matters.
• Develop strong knowledge of Sound Transit’s construction practices, and legal and business climate.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, 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 with a Juris Doctorate Degree. Ten years of increasingly responsible legal experience with demonstrated expertise in construction.

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 and

Skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of procurement and/or construction law.
• Experience drafting, negotiating and interpreting design and construction documents and contracts.
• Experience in defending and pursuing construction-related claims…