Legal Counsel - Construction

ST Public Branding•Seattle, WA

16d•$120,000 - $210,000•Hybrid

About The Position

GENERAL PURPOSE: Provides independent professional legal counsel to the agency on a variety of complex public construction issues, contracts, procurements and claims associated with large transit infrastructure projects.

Requirements

Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association
Seven years of increasingly responsible legal experience in the practice of law; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Washington State Bar License or bar license from another state, with the expectation of obtaining Washington Bar license within six months of employment
Knowledge of procurement and/or construction law
Experience drafting, negotiating and interpreting design and construction documents and contracts
Experience in analyzing, researching, defending and pursuing construction-related claims before courts, mediators, arbitrators and for presentation to Dispute Review Boards
Experience advising clients throughout the design and construction process, including avoiding and resolving issues associated with change orders and claims
Experience developing and implementing strategic and practical legal approaches that responsibly evaluate and balance legal risks with project demands, including in a collaborative contracting environment
Strong writing skills and demonstrated ability to prepare a variety of clear, concise legal documents, letters, agreements and memoranda
Ability to manage multiple projects, establish and prioritize objectives/goals and schedules
Ability to manage outside counsel
Demonstrated consistent commitment and ability to work with diverse work groups

Nice To Haves

Litigation background
Knowledge of public contracting principles

Responsibilities

Assist in the drafting, negotiating and review of construction procurement solicitations, including those using alternative delivery methods, general and special conditions and documents necessary to contract with architects, engineers, and contractors
Provide legal advice regarding design and construction contract procurement, contract interpretation, performance, and closeout.
Manage protests and claims related to public A/E and construction contract disputes, including negotiations and mediations
Supervise outside legal counsel
Provide legal advice directly to project staff on legal matters that affect large transit infrastructure projects, including contract negotiation, terms interpretation, federal funding (FTA) requirements, procurement process and procedures and claims management
Advise the Managing Legal Counsels for Construction and the General Counsel on construction related matters
Develop strong knowledge of Sound Transit’s construction project delivery practices, and legal and business climate, including Washington law and Federal Transit Administration funding requirements
Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and Agency policies
Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency
Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy
It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees
It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner
Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution)
Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year
Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents
Pet Insurance
ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost
Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses
Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services
Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues