Managing Counsel, Litigation

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is seeking a Managing Counsel, Litigation to oversee all litigation for MassDOT and MBTA. The role leads a team of attorneys and staff, develops strategies, and collaborates with external counsel to resolve disputes efficiently.

The position requires extensive litigation experience, MA admission, and strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills to guide complex regulatory and contract-related matters.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in MA or eligibility via reciprocity.
• 12+ years of legal practice, with focus in litigation/related areas.
• 7+ years in a managerial or senior leadership role.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities for complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of litigation for MassDOT and MBTA, including various claim types and regulatory matters.
• Develop and implement legal strategies to minimize risk and achieve favorable outcomes.
• Lead and supervise attorneys, paralegals, and staff; oversee the Director of Claims.
• Coordinate with external counsel for engagement and management of outside services.
• Conduct legal research to support defense strategies and advise on complex issues.
• Represent MassDOT/MBTA in court, negotiations, and hearings as needed.
• Provide regular updates to senior management on matters and risks; build key stakeholder relationships.
• Perform other duties as assigned; adapt to department/location-specific needs.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Team management

Risk management

Education

J.D. degree

Tools

Legal research databases

Document management systems

Litigation support tools

Job description

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.

• 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.

• 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

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