Assistant General Counsel

 JOB SUMMARY:The Assistant General Counsel reports to, receives assignments from and provides direct support to the General Counsel. Under the direction of General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel assists in managing all functions of the Authority’s Legal Department. Duties include: supervising and directing Special Counsel and Bond Counsel legal services; managing insurance litigation; drafting staff actions, resolutions and otherwise representing the General Counsel at Board meetings; providing legal advice to all Departments; drafting purchase and other agreements/contracts; overseeing, managing, directing and responding to OPRA requests; overseeing, managing, and directing the procurement, insurance and risk management functions; negotiating complex transactions and serving as Records Custodian/Alternate Record Custodian.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist in the negotiation of critical contracts and complex agreements, as well as fostering relationships with Authority partners, suppliers and vendors to facilitate the Authority’s redevelopment and investment missions.
2. Assist in managing litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution in compliance with applicable laws.
3. Oversee policy and contract language to ensure contracts are up-to-date.
4. Assist in tracking and maintaining updated contracts and agreements.
5. Assist in managing insurance policies, insurance claims, notice of claims and OPRA requests.
6. Assist in providing legal advice and counsel to senior management to lead risk management, regulatory and compliance functions consistent with Authority policies and procedures.
7. Assist in providing legal advice to Authority leadership and senior management regarding statutory and regulatory compliance, Authority powers, OPRA, land use/real estate, procurement and other matters.
8. Assist in ensuring compliance with all Authority policies and procedures as well as State, Federal, and local regulations.
9. Assist in the preparation and follow-up regarding Board meetings. Assist in planning, allocation, and management of the Legal department’s financial budget by anticipating expenditures, accurately forecasting resource needs/costs, and properly accounting for expenses to achieve fiscal responsibility.
10. Build strong external relationships by networking and communicating with external attorneys and experts, sharing legal expertise, best practices, and fostering mutual support.
11. Serve as Records Custodian/Alternate Record Custodian.
12. Other related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: 

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) with license to practice law in the State of New Jersey.
• Approximately ten (10 years of public body governance experience (supporting/counseling) in a governmental or private sector organization or major law firm. Experience with New Jersey authorities is preferred.
• Five (5) years of experience managing a law department staff with increasing levels of responsibility.

• Significant experience in drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts with public and private entities, including non-profits.
• Significant experience with real estate/land use issues.
• Significant experience with the Open Public Meetings Act (OPRA).
• Mastery of relevant state statutes and regulations regarding public procurement.
• Knowledge of Lexis and other on-line legal research tools.
• Computer proficiency and working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across the Authority with all departments.
• Ensure compliance with all Authority policies and procedures as well as State, Federal, and local regulations.
• Ability to respond effectively to quickly changing priorities and responsibilities.

Effective September 1, 2011, the “New Jersey First Act” contains new residency requirements for most public officers and employees.

Current, new, or prospective public employees should be aware that the New Jersey First Act, N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), requires employees of all public employers (for example, state, county, and municipal governments), public agencies, authorities, boards, bodies, commissions, public institutions of higher education, certain quasi-public entities, and all school boards to reside in the State of New Jersey unless otherwise exempted under the law.

Equal Opportunity Employer-Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and make all employment decisions based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to employees with sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants who require assistance or accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact Human Resources.