$100,580 – $115,273 | 33 North High Street, Columbus, OH, United States | Salary | Legal Affairs | Full Time

Join the organization that received Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award from the American Public Transit Association in 2018 & 2020!

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is Central Ohio's public transportation provider, providing nearly 19 million passenger trips per year servicing Franklin County and parts of Delaware, Fairfield, Licking and Union counties. Guided by our 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, our vision is to move every life forward. Our mission is to provide solutions that connect people to prosperity through innovation, dedication and teamwork.

Salary: $101,317 - $118,390

Location: 33 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Benefits: COTA offers competitive benefits including: medical/Rx, vision, dental, supplemental insurance, life insurance, employee discounts, employee bus pass; wellness initiatives, on-site cooking classes & chair massages, on-site Health Coaches & Dietitians, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation.

Position Summary:

COTA's Sr. Associate Legal Counsel performs responsible, professional, and supervisory work in providing competent in-house legal counsel, analysis, and research pertaining to the organization's legal issues and concerns. Also represents the organization before Courts of law.

Performs duties in alignment with the 2019 - 2024 COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision To Move Every Life Forward.

This Position is Responsible For:

• Advises Claims Adjuster and other organization employees in their handling of tort claims. Prepares legal pleadings, motions, statements, trial briefs, etc.; conducts examinations of legal and claims records, consults with witnesses, clients, and claims personnel in pre-trial preparation; reviews and manages claims and collections; prepares appeals and performs the necessary research on motions with the objective of disposing of such claims in the most cost-efficient manner consistent with organization policy; negotiates with opposing attorneys and recommends settlement outcomes to Chief Legal/General Counsel and Sr. Counsel, Litigation and Insurance Defense;

• Monitors compliance with all local, state and federal laws; monitors current ADA compliance; Federal Transit Administration Title VI compliance; monitors claims experience and calculates probable legal liability to the organization;

• Manages the Title VI Process in conjunction with other departments at COTA to ensure that all proposed changes in transit operations are equitable;

• Receives claim files for personal injury cases and prepares files for trial as necessary, including case investigation, preparation of pleadings, taking of depositions, responding to interrogatories with the objective of disposing of such claims in the most cost-efficient manner consistent with COTA policy; negotiates settlement with personal injury attorneys and recommends settlement outcomes to the Chief Legal/General Counsel and Sr. Counsel, Litigation and Insurance Defense;

• Initiates collection process, including lawsuits in tort and contract for the organization. Administers and conducts collection activities, including representation at judgment debtor examinations, debtor location and execution of judgments including possession of property and wage garnishments;

• Drafts and analyzes proposed and/or existing contracts, prepares legal documents, and reviews company policies;

• Performs other legal duties as assigned, which may include, but is not limited to public records, contract review/drafting, legal research, and drafting memoranda;

• Communicates with court system to obtain stay away orders for individuals who have engaged in criminal conduct toward COTA employees or on COTA property;

• Assists COTA in achieving its EEO goals and in eliminating discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or disability;

• Provides legal advice and consultation with other Divisions to ensure that COTA's fixed and paratransit routes are safe and accessible for individuals under the ADA;

• Checks the ADA Coordinator email daily and responds to relevant customer complaints that appear within the inbox; and

• Supervises the Legal Department's summer intern.

• May be required to be available through a mobile device via voice and/or data during and outside of normal working hours, at the manager's discretion, and must respond within a reasonable timeframe;

• Performs other non-trial and trial responsibilities;

• Performs legal research and provides opinions and memoranda;

• Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required; and

• Performs other duties as assigned.

  At Minimum You'll Need:

• Requires a Juris Doctor and seven (7) years of experience in litigation.

• Requires admission to the Ohio Bar; Federal Court licensure preferred.

  COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are of core importance and essential to the success of the organization. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. COTA believes that diverse and inclusive organizations gain the benefits in creating a stronger and more effective workforce resulting in services that better meet the needs of consumers and in result Move Every Life Forward.