Associate Counsel I

Job Description

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The Associate Counsel I reports directly to the Deputy Counsel under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position will assist the Deputy Counsel, Chief Counsel, and Associate Counsels II to serve the legal needs of the organization. The Associate Counsel I is responsible for legal advice, counsel and assistance to CapMetro staff and the Board Members regarding general and transportation law, with an emphasis on performing moderately complex legal work analyzing, processing, and coordinating the fulfillment of, and responding to public information requests submitted to CapMetro in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, and other privacy laws, and any applicable rules. The Associate Counsel I will perform administrative and analytical work primarily involving the interpretation of the Texas Public Information Act and drafting and issuing requests for Office of the Attorney General Opinions and Rulings. This role involves assisting in drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, maintaining legal documentation, and ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Responsibilities

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Note: The duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. 

• Advise staff regarding general legal matters that arise pertaining to Capital Metro.
• Organize and plan the day-to-day activities of the Public Information section of the Legal Department which includes the responsibility for the analysis, processing and timely fulfillment of public information requests submitted to the agency, including requests for rulings, opinions, and guidance from the Office of the Attorney General.
• Assist in reviewing and advising on the interpretation, application and enforcement of laws and regulations affecting agency administration and operations, its public information policies, and the policies and operations of CapMetro and its Board of Directors.
• Assist in researching and preparing initial drafts of legal opinions, briefs, proposals, contract provisions, procedures, and reports related to public information and agency records.
• Assist with the negotiation of agreements and drafting of related documents related to CapMetro’s ongoing and proposed real property interests and real estate transactions, including preparation of license agreements, leases, deeds of trust, easements, releases and other documents.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, ethical standards, and CapMetro’ s policies and procedures.
• Track legislation and direct implementation as needed following passage of applicable laws.
• Draft and review a variety of legal documents, including agency policies, contracts, interlocal cooperation agreements, and agreements for all departments.
• Draft internal memos to update staff on important legal issues.
• Assist with the engagement of contractors and vendors on contractual and legal matters pertaining to business with CapMetro.
• Keep the Deputy Counsel and management appropriately informed of ongoing activity and critical matters affecting the operation and well-being of the agency.
• Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by following safety and security policies, considering safety in every action, and reporting safety and security concerns.
• Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.
  
  
  

Qualifications

WHAT YOU BRING

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B). or Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree.
• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Experience as a Public Information Officer, Open Records Attorney, or similar role where the job required knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act is preferred.
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; interpersonal skills; and analytical skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with employees, managers, the Board, outside attorneys, and the public.
• Knowledge of public sector laws, regulations and familiarity with federal, state, and local transportation statutes and regulations.
• Skills in use of personal computer using word processing, spreadsheet applications and computerized legal research.
• Skill in analyzing facts, legal commitment and impact, precedent, organizing information and interpreting and applying legal principles to complex legal issues.
• Skill in preparing and presenting written and oral legal opinions, advice, and counsel.
  
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is generally performed in an office environment in which there is only minimal exposure to unpleasant and/or hazardous working conditions. This position works with multiple project timelines and is responsible for managing employees performing work of a complex nature.

Incumbent must have the ability to stand and sit frequently throughout an eight-hour period, reach vertically for overhead use as well as horizontally. Must be able to use a telephone or headset equipment.

Incumbents must be able to lift and move material weighing up to 20 lbs., perform work at a computer terminal for 6-8 hours a day, and function in an environment with constant interruptions.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions as previously described.

About Us

CapMetro is Austin's regional public transportation provider. We've been around since 1985 and work every day to give residents, commuters, and visitors the best possible transit options available to match their busy everyday lives.

We're always on the move, connecting people with jobs, schools, restaurants, shops, festivals, and other great places to hang out. In fact, we have more than 31 million boardings each year.

About The Team

At CapMetro, we work to empower, enhance, and serve the region and its communities through the responsible delivery of safe, reliable, high-quality transportation. We are driven by a culture of Safety, Equity, Transparency, Sustainability, and Innovation. These values guide us in our daily activities, and decision-making and position us to be a great community partner and to better serve our riders who trust us to get them where they’re going!

What’s In It For You

• Work with a diverse, collaborative, and energetic workforce whose focus is to bring innovation into the industry and how we serve our customers and team members. 
• Utilize our free and reduced-fare transit service to get to the office and then plan to hit the gym (for free) and work with our onsite trainers, before heading back home.
• If you have children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years old, enroll them in the onsite award-winning Childcare and Learning Center.
  
  
  

…and much more!  

What You Should Know 

CapMetro is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming and diverse environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. CapMetro makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs at the time.