Counsel, Tort Litigation

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Counsel, Tort Litigation will provide advice, counsel, and representation to the MBTA and MassDOT on behalf of the MassDOT/MBTA General Counsel. The Counsel, Tort Litigation acts under the supervision of the Senior Counsel for Tort Litigation, Senior Lead Counsel for Litigation, and the Managing Counsel for Litigation.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Litigate tort matters on behalf of the MBTA in the state and federal courts.
• Review and respond to complaints, including drafting of answers, motions to dismiss or other responsive pleadings.
• Conduct and respond to discovery in a thorough and timely manner.
• Research, draft, and file dispositive motions.
• Resolve matters through negotiation, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
• Conduct jury trials and handle all aspects of appeals.
• Maintain accurate records of work conducted in matter management software.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• No direct reports.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate.
• Member in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar, or ability to obtain bar admission within six (6) months of hire, with annual certification and registration by the Board of Bar Overseers.
• Five (5) years of litigation experience.
• Ability to manage and prioritize a high-volume workload.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced work environment.
• Experience in government or with highly regulated industry or client.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills and sound judgment.

Substitutions Include

• None.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• A significant portion of the required work experience should be in the area of insurance defense or personal injury litigation in a law firm or in-house setting.
• Experience representing public employers subject to the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act.
• Significant first-chair trial experience is highly preferred.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions: