Job Description

Are you interested in meaningful work that allows you to develop your legal and public outreach skills while benefiting transit rail commuters in the Washington Metropolitan area? Are you ready to join a small group of professionals who work together to address both standard and novel safety oversight matters?

This Attorney Advisor and Public Engagement position is part of the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) legal team, which provides legal advice and assistance to the nine appointed Commissioners, senior leadership, and Commission staff on all legal matters and on legal aspects of policy matters. This work includes providing legal opinions on questions concerning agency administration, the Commission’s statutory authority, applicable rules such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Privacy Act, Sunshine Act, and rules and statutes involving or affecting the operations of the WMSC. In addition, the Attorney Advisor is responsible for drafting and reviewing correspondence with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and Federal Transit Administration or related organizations, and informing and engaging with the WMSC’s jurisdictional partners in Congress, Maryland, Washington, DC and Viriginia. The Attorney Advisor reviews contract terms and addresses appropriations questions and provides other legal services as matters arise.

The WMSC is the designated State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA) responsible for overseeing the safety of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail system, which operates rail transit in Maryland, Washington, DC and Virgin

Responsibilities

· Performs probing and innovative legal research and prepares summaries, briefs, memoranda, and other legal materials and documents in consultation with the General Counsel or other senior staff. Researches precedents, applicable statutes, and other resources to provide opinions regarding proposed changes in policies and regulations. Expected to complete research independently following guidance from the supervisor or senior staff.

· Provides expert consultation and well-reasoned written advice within the timeframe set for the matter.

· Considers a broad spectrum of factors when providing legal advice, including legal developments in both the private and public sectors. Serves as the WMSC FOIA Officer.

· Reviews and drafts annual updates to documents including the WMSC Program Standard and WMATA’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan.

· Applies comprehensive knowledge of general government and private-sector contracting principles to provide legal review and advice at every stage of the acquisition lifecycle. May collaborate with counsel in negotiating contracts and agreements with external entities.

· Drafts comments to proposed rulemakings, including those proposed by governmental and advisory organizations.

· Performs outreach activities on behalf of the WMSC, including advising, consulting, and coordinating with various stakeholders such as the funding jurisdictions, policy staff, Congressional staff, and elected officials. 

· Lead coordinator with D.C., Maryland, and Virginia policy representatives on appointments of Commissioners and Alternates.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Job Qualifications

This position requires mid-level legal abilities, creativity, initiative, as well as program planning, direction, and strategic thinking.

Experience

4-6 years of legal experience, preferably including administrative law practice.

Demonstrated ability to perform complex legal research, engage in sound legal analyses and present results in a clear, persuasive, and timely manner. Demonstrated exceptional communication and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, often under pressure, and with quick deadlines.

Education and Bar Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor from accredited schools. Admission to the bar of the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia. Active membership in good standing, with the ability to immediately appear in court.

Residency Requirement

This position currently is primarily remote; however, the WMSC’s oversight of the WMATA Metrorail system requires in-person work from time-to-time to attend Washington, DC area meetings. The Attorney Advisor must live within 30 miles of any WMATA Metrorail station.

Certifications

· A valid driver’s license or reliable means to arrive and leave work locations.

· Training and testing for Level 1 Roadway Worker Protection.

Salary is regionally competitive and will be commensurate with skills and experience; and the WMSC offers a robust benefits package.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Find a full description of this position at wmsc.gov under the Opportunities tab.

Interested candidates must submit a résumé including bar membership, cover letter, and salary requirements to  hr@wmsc.gov .

This job announcement may result in multiple hires. 

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