Job Description

POSTING NO. 13923

JOB TITLE: Deputy General Counsel/Unit Chief, E-Discovery and FOIL

DEPT/DIV: General Counsel

WORK LOCATION: 2 Broadway

FULL/PART-TIME: FUL L

SALARY RANGE: $192,068 - $228,081

DEADLINE: Until filled

POSTING: This position is eligible for teleworking one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after effective hire date.

Opening

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nations largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective

The Deputy General Counsel e-Discovery and FOIL is an experienced attorney who will lead the MTAs e-Discovery and FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) Unit, providing legal and technical e-discovery support to the legal departments of all MTA agencies in addressing e-discovery matters, including responding to FOIL requests and subpoenas, consulting on e-discovery searches and providing guidance on collection/preservation of documents. The unit stays current on best practices in e-discovery, applicable legal requirements, and emerging technology. The Deputy General Counsel will supervise legal and technical staff, provide subject matter expertise, and assist procurement of technical resources. They will supervise the Senior Associate Counsel FOIL and paralegals in The Consolidated Legal Department responding to FOIL requests.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, manage, and train staff in the e-Discovery and FOIL Unit, providing legal and technical advice to all MTA agency legal staff. Develop and motivate personnel, provide career development, coaching, and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review performance and create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Stay current on best practices in e-discovery and FOIL, applicable legal requirements, and emerging technology. Monitor federal and state rules for developments.
• Provide beginning-to-end oversight of e-discovery matters and coordinate with legal staff of the various agencies (and with the IT Department) in connection with e-Discovery searches in individual lawsuits and in response to requests for information, including FOIL requests and subpoenas.
• Advise legal staff on electronic searches and assist with requests from litigation adversaries, including determining if requests are overbroad, unduly burdensome, or disproportionate.
• Help set up document reviews of electronic materials, advising on search terms, protocols, and document production logistics.
• Provide guidance on issues relating to the collection and preservation of electronic documents and materials, assist with the litigation hold process, and provide subject matter expertise as needed.
• Review FOIL requests to MTA Headquarters and its agencies, provide guidance to paralegals who respond to FOIL requests, coordinate with agency personnel, and review responses before they are sent out.
• Assist in the evaluation and procurement of technical resources for the e-Discovery and FOIL Unit.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Extensive experience with all aspects of e-discovery and FOIL support, managing document production and privilege review, including collection/preservation of material, search terms, and review protocols.
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to use well-established discovery platforms and knowledge of evolving e-discovery technologies.
• Substantial knowledge of current and emerging policies, regulations, court rules, and case law regarding e-discovery and FOIL practices, and interrelation with other disciplines (IT, data security, etc.).
• Proven ability to manage and train staff.
• Strong oral, written, and analytical skills.
• Requires exercise of independent judgment and discretion.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications.

Required Education and Experience

• Law Degree from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of significant e-discovery and FOIL management experience at a law firm, governmental agency, or corporation.
• Must have prior supervisory experience over a professional legal staff.

Preferred

• Budget responsibility in prior experience.
• Familiarity with MTAs policies and procedures.>
  
• Familiarity with MTAs collective bargaining procedures.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends). Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs