Managing Counsel, Litigation

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

MBTA is seeking a Managing Counsel, Litigation to oversee all litigation matters for MassDOT and MBTA. You will lead a team of attorneys and staff, collaborate with internal departments and external counsel, and guide complex defense strategies.

You will report to senior management, develop proactive risk management, and represent MBTA in court, negotiations, and arbitrations as needed. Boston-based role requiring coordination across departments.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Bar admission in Massachusetts or eligibility via reciprocity.
• Extensive litigation and related practice experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of litigation for MassDOT and MBTA.
• Develop and implement strategies to minimize risk and achieve favorable outcomes.
• Manage attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
• Coordinate with external counsel and manage outside services.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Legal research

Multitasking

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Litigation support tools

Document management systems

Job description

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, culture, and accessibility, and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values.This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Managing Counsel, Litigation is responsible for overseeing and managing all legal matters within the Litigation practice area group. As the managing counsel, this position works closely with internal departments, external counsel, and other stakeholders to effectively handle and resolve legal disputes in a timely manner.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of litigation for Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and MBTA, including but not limited to personal injury claims, property damage claims, contract disputes, eminent domain, employment-related claims, and regulatory matters.
• Develop and implement legal strategies to achieve favorable outcomes while minimizing risks.
• Manage a team of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff engaged in assigned legal activities.
• Oversee the Director of Claims and the claims staff.
• Collaborate with external counsel in the selection, engagement, and management of outside legal services.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to support defense strategies and provide guidance on complex legal issues.
• Represent MassDOT and MBTA in court proceedings, negotiations, mediation, or arbitration hearings as needed.
• Provide regular updates to senior management on the status of ongoing legal matters and advise on potential risks or opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including internal departments, government agencies, vendors, insurers, and external counsel.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

Supervision

• Directly supervise a team of attorneys, paralegals, and Claims and other support staff.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in the state of Massachusetts or eligibility for admission via reciprocity.
• Twelve (12) years of experience practicing law with a focus on assigned legal area(Litigation, Employment, Contracts, Real Estate, etc.)management.
• Seven (7) years of experience at manager and above level.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop creative legal strategies.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with experience managing a team of legal professionals.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to convey complex legal issues clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
• Proficiency in legal research, document management systems, and litigation support tools.
• Ability to handle multiple cases simultaneously and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong ethics and integrity with a commitment to upholding high professional standards.

Substitutions

• None

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Strong understanding of Massachusetts laws pertaining to transportation-related matters.

Job Conditions

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverseworkforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week