Associate Counsel II

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR The Associate Counsel II reports directly to the Deputy Counsel. This position provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) staff and Board Members with minimal supervision. The Associate Counsel is responsible for the provision of legal advice and services related to all legal matters of CapMetro, with a focus on real estate and right of way and capital improvement matters, including the review, analysis, negotiation and drafting of contracts for the acquisition and disposition of real property, transit-oriented development deals with public and private partners, leasing, licensing, financing, city permitting and zoning, municipal ordinances and regulations, transit planning, construction, and related office, environmental, procurement, risk management, and public funding compliance issues. WHAT YOU BRING Juris doctorate from an ABA accredited law school and a licensed member of the Texas State Bar. Three (3) years of active practice of law, including two (2) years of real estate experience. Experience with municipal ordinances and regulations, including city permitting and zoning laws preferred. Experience with rail or utilities real estate work preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodation, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Excellent written and oral communication skills; interpersonal skills; and superb negotiation 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. This role is based in Austin, Texas and requires relocation to the Austin area prior to start date. #LI-Hybrid WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING Legal Advisory & Regulatory Guidance Advise staff and leadership on general legal matters and provide guidance on Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and policies impacting CapMetro's programs, operations, and activities. Research and interpret statutes, legal opinions, and regulatory frameworks (including municipal codes, zoning, and permitting) to ensure organizational compliance and informed decision-making. Legal Research & Documentation Conduct complex legal research and prepare written legal opinions, memos, and materials for staff and the Board of Directors. Draft and review a wide range of legal documents, including contracts, interlocal agreements, rail agreements, agency policies, and other organizational agreements. Provide periodic review and revision of CapMetro's template real estate and right-of-way contracts. Real Estate & Transactions Provide legal and strategic transactional advice to various business units within CapMetro on a variety of real estate, right of way, and capital improvement matters. Lead negotiation, drafting, and execution of real estate and development-related agreements (e.g., leases, purchase/sale agreements, easements, TOD agreements, and related instruments). Represent CapMetro in real estate acquisitions and dispositions, including proceedings under applicable laws and use of eminent domain, while monitoring and mitigating associated legal risks. Work closely with CapMetro staff and management to advance CapMetro's public transportation mission through management of real estate assets, economic development initiatives, and infrastructure improvements. Litigation, Risk & External Counsel Management Assess and advise on litigation risks related to claims, projects, contracts, and organizational initiatives. Oversee and direct outside counsel, manage legal strategy, and negotiate settlements as appropriate, including review and approval of work product and billing. Public Safety & Business Operations Support Provide legal oversight for the Public Safety Program, including advising on applicable laws, regulations, and law enforcement best practices. Support business operations by advising on vendor/contractor engagements and ensuring compliance with records management and company policies. Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by ensuring staff follows safety and security policies, considers safety in every action, and ensures safety and security concerns are reported. Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.