Job details

Attorney - Office of Legal Counsel

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Law Department (Authority) has an exciting career opportunity for a highly qualified Attorney to join its Manhattan-based 125+ person team. The position will handle the extremely broad and interesting variety of legal work required for the Authority to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well rules and policies adopted pursuant to the 1921 Compact that established the Authority, its enabling statutes, and bi-state legislation governing the policies and programs being implemented to advance its mission.

This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity to work on an extraordinary range of sophisticated legal matters. The selected candidate will have an ability to contribute in a meaningful way to current and future regional transportation programs and a broad array of initiatives that the Authority is undertaking in the New York-New Jersey region. The role also offers the opportunity to develop oversight responsibilities, particularly with respect to the handling of the Authority’s freedom on information process.

This position reports directly to the Assistant General Counsel of the Office of Legal Counsel and will advise agency decision-makers on high-profile issues in the intersection between public policy and law, building on the body of case law and statutes established over the last 100 years and directly affecting the Port Authority. In addition, this role encompasses all aspects of the agency’s administrative activities, from advising on matters considered by the Board of Commissioners to the various administrative functions undertaken in the course of the agency’ operations. This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity to work on an extraordinary range of sophisticated legal matters.

Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will be responsible for, but not limited to the following. A more detailed description will be discussed at the interview.

Manage significant financial, strategic, and reputational risks to the agency while eliciting input from key internal stakeholders and communicating effectively with senior management.
Give accurate and timely counsel to client departments on a variety of legal topics, offering proactive advice on possible legal issues and providing business-friendly options.
Work with the Assistant General Counsel in overseeing and handling the agency’s response to freedom of information requests, including addressing and resolving issues under New York and New Jersey records access laws, handling internal appeals, and providing guidance to attorney and non-attorney staff necessary for the Authority to respond to such requests.
Ensure that the Port Authority conducts its business in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Prepare legal opinions and offer advice concerning the agency’s legal authorization under its governing statutes.
Advise the General Counsel, the First Deputy General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel, Executive Officers, Agency Chiefs, Department Directors, and other senior management on legal matters pertaining to the Port Authority.
Stay abreast of new laws, legal decisions, legal and legislative actions that affect the Port Authority and advise senior staff of their implications.

Qualifications:

Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered eligible for this position:

Law degree from a top tier or highly regarded law school.
Member of the Bar in good standing in New York or New Jersey.
Must have at least five years of legal experience, with emphasis in transactional law gained through a combination of major law firm and in-house or government roles of increasing visibility and responsibility.
Relevant legal experience with a demonstrated emphasis in policy, governmental and/or regulatory affairs, and/or urban planning and development.

Desired:

Ideal candidates will present the following profile:

Detail-oriented with strong analytical, and drafting skills, accompanied by outstanding communication skills.
Proven track record to perform effectively under pressure and to reconcile conflicting priorities toward resolution.
Ability to think strategically and exercise sound judgment to recommend decisive action in conjunction with legal precedent and a thoughtful balancing and/or managing of risk within time constraints.
Ability to take ownership of, and responsibility for, managing legal work on large, complex projects with aggressive completion deadlines and consideration of stakeholder input.
Operate in a constantly evolving complex legal environment, while maintaining the highest ethical standards and integrity.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Excel, One Drive, Outlook, PowerPoint, Share Point, Word), Adobe Acrobat and familiarity with document/matter management systems.
Creative problem-solver with a dedicated commitment to finding pragmatic solutions to business issues with the utmost integrity.
Ability to work collectively and ethically, in a matrixed organization, considering multiple stakeholder viewpoints and various client interests.
Ability to engage colleagues and business teams in a collegial and business-friendly manner.
Ability to comply with protocols, policies, directives, and deadlines.