Attorney - Claims, Tort & Litigation

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORKResponsible for legal work involving research, professional judgment, legal opinions, and tort litigation in District Court, County Court, and Justice of the Peace Court. May be assigned to perform a variety of legal work, although assignments are typically specialized in nature. This role provides strategic legal advice on liability exposure and supports the minimization of legal, operational, and financial risks for the transit system.RESPONSIBILITIESRepresents VIA in specified litigation matters, working collaboratively with Risk Management and, when engaged, outside counsel.Manages all VIA tort and special litigation and coordinates assignment of cases to outside counsel as appropriate.Prepares, drafts, and reviews a wide variety of legal documents and instruments, including pleadings, motions, discovery responses, medical analyses, legal opinions, contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.Performs all phases of discovery, including written discovery; prepares and deposes witnesses and expert witnesses; and conducts legal and medical research.Assists in implementing pre-litigation strategies in coordination with General Counsel, Risk Management, and outside counsel in preparation for hearings, mediations, and court trials representing VIA’s interests.Participates in or advises participants in hearings.Assists Risk Management/Safety in the development, review, and interpretation of accident and incident reports.Provides legal counsel and guidance on behalf of the General Counsel to VIA staff attorneys, the VIA Board of Trustees, and other VIA departments on assigned legal matters.Assists in resolving Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues and concerns to ensure compliance.Assists Human Resources with benefit-related matters, including Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Workers’ Compensation, and Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO), ensuring compliance with settlement agreements, state laws, federal laws, and plan requirements.Performs legal research and legal writing.Provides briefings and updates to the General Counsel, Senior Executives, and members of the VIA Board of Trustees.Attend VIA/ATD Board meetings as required.This job description excludes marginal functions incidental to performing the job. Other duties may be assigned.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEDoctorate of Jurisprudence required.Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.Minimum of five (5) years of experience in public law and tort litigation or an equivalent combination of education and experience.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSAbility to conduct legal research, exercise independent judgment, and advise management on the most advantageous course of action considering statutes, regulations, contracts, and case law.Ability to draft complex legal documents, including contracts, agreements, and legal opinions, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.Ability to manage outside counsel and multiple complex caseloads.Ability to read, understand, and analyze complex legal materials, including statutes, regulations, contracts, and case law.Ability to maintain and demonstrate honesty, integrity, and high ethical standards while safeguarding confidential and sensitive matters with discretion.Strong verbal and written communication skills, supported by excellent research, writing, and organizational abilities.Ability to effectively communicate with internal personnel, outside counsel, the VIA Board of Trustees, Senior Management, Executive Leadership, and external stakeholders when providing legal advice, counseling, participating in meetings, and presenting complex legal matters.Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research.Must maintain reliable attendance.Must support VIA’s EEO and SBE Programs.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSRequires sitting, standing, and mobility within VIA facilities and at off-site business locations.WORK ENVIRONMENTWorks within a normal office environment.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYVIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.