Associate Legal Counsel

33 North High Street, Columbus, OH, United States | Legal Affairs | per year $122,720.00 $144,372.80 | Full Time

| Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance Paid Parental Leave Employee Discounts COTA Bus Pass Wellness Initiatives On-Site Chair Massage On-Site Health Coach Tuition Reimbursement Student Loan Repayment Program Public Pension through OPERS and Ohio Deferred Compensation

SALARY: $122,720.00 $144,372.80

LOCATION: 33 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215

BENEFITS:

+ Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance

+ Paid Parental Leave

+ Employee Discounts

+ COTA Bus Pass

+ Wellness Initiatives

+ On-Site Chair Massage

+ On-Site Health Coach

+ Tuition Reimbursement

+ Student Loan Repayment Program

+ Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

POSITION SUMMARY:

Performs responsible administrative and professional work in providing competent in-house legal counsel, analysis and research pertaining to the organization's legal issues and concerns. Also represents the organization before Courts of law.

Performs other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

+ Represents the organization in courts, mediations, and before agencies such as the EEOC, OCRC, and FTA, often co-counseling with outside attorneys. Regularly collaborates with the Franklin County courts, City of Columbus Prosecutor's Office, and FTA regarding ADA and Title VI compliance.

+ Advises the Claims department and other staff on tort and collection claims; prepares legal documents, conducts research and interviews, manages claims and collections, and negotiates settlements, making recommendations to senior legal leadership.

+ Ensures organizational compliance with ADA laws and procedures, maintains accurate records and reporting for audits and litigation, and supports the development of tracking systems for Public Access ADA complaints. Coordinates with various departments and consults with the FTA to ensure ongoing compliance, develops and facilitates staff training.

+ Manages Title VI compliance under FTA Circular 4702.1B, including equity analyses for service changes, fare adjustments, and major property changes. Coordinates public participation and audit preparation, and consults with the FTA as needed.

+ Supervises the full Collections Recovery Process, including managing outside counsel, court appearances, financial reporting, and reserve setting to protect the self-insurance fund. Pursues financial recovery in coordination with various stakeholders.

+ Secures stay-away orders for individuals involved in criminal activity affecting COTA staff or property. Works with the City Prosecutor's Office and Columbus Police Department to provide evidence, respond to subpoenas, and support investigations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

+ Requires a Juris Doctor and five (5) years of legal experience.

+ Requires admission to the Ohio Bar. Federal Court licensure preferred.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.