Special Counsel - Rolling Stock Program (Non-Construction)
Job ID: 15220
Business Unit: MTA Headquarters
Location: New York, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: Office of Rolling Stock Strat
Date Posted: Apr 6, 2026
Description
POSTING NO.
15220
JOB TITLE:
Special Counsel - Rolling Stock Program (Non-Construction)
DEPT/DIV:
General Counsel
WORK LOCATION:
2 Broadway
FULL/PART-TIME
Full-Time
SALARY RANGE:
$192,068 - $240,085
DEADLINE:
Until filled
This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their 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 nation's 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 MTA Special Counsel, Rolling Stock Program, is the MTA's senior, dedicated attorney responsible for rendering legal advice on all rolling stock matters and other complex and complicated matters as they arise and are relevant to the Rolling Stock Program's goals. The Special Counsel, Rolling Stock Program, negotiates and drafts contract terms and conditions with bidders on rolling stock contracts to efficiently and cost-effectively facilitate rolling stock procurements. Additionally, this person advises Rolling Stock Program, executive and senior management, MTAHQ Procurement Department, IT, the agencies, and other departments regarding compliance with Federal and State statutory and regulatory requirements, including the Public Authorities Law, State Finance Law, Lobbying Law, Federal Transit Administration ("FTA"), Federal Railroad Administration ("FRA") and other Federal Agency Rules and Regulations and agency-specific laws rules and regulations in connection with rolling stock matters. Counsel may direct and supervise outside counsel and other MTA attorneys supporting rolling stock matters.
The individual has extensive knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws. The attorney should possess a high level of expertise in procurement, contracting, transactional, and commercial-related legal matters to protect and preserve MTA's legal interests.
Responsibilities:
Serves as dedicated, lead MTA attorney for all rolling stock matters, ensuring dedicated, sophisticated, and continuous legal attention to the MTA's most strategic assets over their lifetime.
Renders legal advice to the Rolling Stock Program, MTA Consolidated Procurement Department, and agency personnel.
Renders legal advice, analysis, and guidance to Senior Management, the Procurement Department, and other departments regarding compliance with Federal and State statutory and regulatory requirements, including the Public Authorities Law, State Finance Law, Lobbying Law, FTA, FRA, and other Federal agency Rules and Regulations and agency-specific laws, rules, and regulations.
Revises procurement documents, including terms and conditions, inquiry and bid documents.
Negotiates and drafts contract terms and conditions with bidders on major rolling stock procurement contracts.
Draft MOUs with other government entities.
Spends a significant amount of time working on rolling stock special projects as complex matters arise.
Supervises outside counsel.
Renders advice, analysis, and guidance on rolling stock contracts. Conducts legal research, document review, and analysis. Develops and recommends procurement strategies and instructs user departments and senior management with respect to the effect of different proposals and alternatives. Interfaces with appropriate senior-level personnel of other Federal and State agencies to coordinate activities and ensure compliance with complex laws and regulatory requirements.
Negotiate claims and draft contract terms with vendors as needed in support of the rolling stock program for the most difficult and complex non-construction procurement contracts. Review, analyze, and revise scopes of work to ensure compliance with applicable Federal and State statutory and regulatory requirements and consistency with contract terms and conditions. Advise the Rolling Stock Program, Procurement Department, and senior staff regarding prudent strategies and approaches in achieving favorable resolution, settlement, and/or litigation of the most major vendor disputes.
Review, modify, and approve for release all rolling stock procurement IFB's, RFP's, and contracts by MTA and its agencies.
Negotiate and draft the most complex and difficult Memoranda of Understanding with other governmental entities on rolling stock matters.
Analyze, advise upon, revise, and approve proposed Rolling Stock Procurement Department policies and their revisions.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Requires the exercise of judgment and discretion with minimum guidance.
Possess excellent legal skills, including the analysis of issues.
Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
Possess the ability to work under pressure and to manage a diverse case load.
Ability to interact with and to assist a broad range of MTA employees and officials.
Ability to supervise lawyers and legal support staff.
Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including Board-level individuals
Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor's Office for New York State, the New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Education and Experience
Law Degree from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar.
Must have a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney.
Must be able to deal simultaneously with a large volume of legal matters at the highest and most complex level, covering all aspects of the Government procurement process, and be thoroughly familiar with NYS and Federal procurement statutes, regulations, and guidelines, and be able to negotiate and draft the most complex procurement contract terms and conditions and Scopes of Work.
Knowledge of laws and regulations pertinent to procurement requirements applicable to interstate railroads is essential.
Complex litigation and vendor transactional experience is required.
Prior experience with the Uniform Commercial Code, financing laws, bankruptcy laws, labor laws, and construction laws is all desirable.
Must have prior supervisory experience over a professional legal staff.
The Following is/are preferred:
Budget responsibility in prior experience.
Familiarity with the MTA's policies and 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.
According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
Equal Employment Opportunity
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
