Deputy General Counsel

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), operator of Tri-Rail, is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Deputy General Counsel. This is a unique opportunity to play a key advisory role within a regional transportation authority that connects communities across South Florida.

Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel assists in providing legal advice and representation to the Governing Board and Executive Director on a broad range of matters impacting agency governance, operations, compliance, and risk management. Responsibilities include addressing complex legal issues related to procurement, Florida’s Public Records Law and Sunshine Law, insurance, real estate, litigation, human resources, contract administration, and legislation.

The Legal Department works collaboratively with agency staff and consultants, supporting the Authority’s mission to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable commuter rail service throughout the region.

Essential Duties

Essential functions are the primary, fundamental tasks and responsibilities of a position that are critical to the successful performance of the job. These are the duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, and they form the core purpose of the role.

• Legal Counsel to Leadership: Assist General Counsel with providing counsel and advice on legal matters to the Governing Board and Executive Director. Assist General Counsel with rendering routine legal advice and opinions to the Governing Board, Executive Director, and department directors as required; conduct ongoing legal research of Federal and State laws and regulations in connection with legal issues pertaining to SFRTA; prepare oral and written legal opinions.

• Litigation: Oversee outside counsel in litigation matters, including discovery.

• Outside Counsel Oversight: Assist General Counsel with the supervision of outside law firms that represent SFRTA, including coordinating and monitoring the services provided by those firms.

• Legal Document Drafting and Review: Draft various legal documents, including policies, resolutions, contracts, leases, legislation, and memoranda. Review documents as to legal form and sufficiency.

• Procurement Review: Provide legal advice on government procurement and review and comment on procurement documents.

• Legislative: Review, opine on, analyze, and draft State and Federal legislation, rules, and policies pertaining to SFRTA.

• Tort and Insurance Coordination: Assist the General Counsel in analyzing tort and other liability claims and insurance policies to determine the extent and limits of coverage and oversee outside counsel representing SFRTA. This also includes assisting the General Counsel in coordinating with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and attorneys assigned by FDOT to represent SFRTA or its contractors in the handling of tort liability claims to which SFRTA or its contractors are a party.

• Real Estate Matters: Perform legal review of real estate matters and activities of SFRTA.   Assist in negotiations of transit-oriented development agreements, including long-term leases.

• Interagency Legal Coordination: Answer questions and provide information of a legal nature to other public agencies (Federal, State, County, municipal, and special districts) regarding SFRTA operations, projects, policies, and procedures, including grants.
  
  

• Staff Coordination: Coordinate efforts of staff in resolving and responding to legal matters.

• Departmental Strategy Support: Assist the General Counsel with developing and overseeing the implementation of long and short-range strategies and programs for the Legal Department.

• Board Presentations (As Requested): At the request of the General Counsel, may make recommendations and presentations to the Governing Board on matters pertaining to legal services and risk management.

• Professional Support: Work closely with and in support of the General Counsel.

• Workload and Deadline Management: Successfully manage multiple high-priority projects and meet internal and external deadlines.

Knowledge of:

• SFRTA Governance & Legal Authority: Organization, powers, duties, and limitations of the SFRTA and the Legal Department.

• Federal and State Legal Frameworks: Federal and State laws, regulations, and legal precedents applicable to SFRTA’s activities.

• Public Records & Sunshine Law: Florida’s Public Records and Sunshine Law.

• Ethics & Public Sector Compliance: Florida’s Sunshine Law and Ethics laws applicable to public employees and officials.

• Government Procurement Requirements: Government competitive procurement processes, including State and Federal (especially Federal Transit Administration) requirements.

Skills in:

• Legal Research & Opinion Preparation: Conducting research on legal problems and preparing sound legal opinions, including applying legal rules and using fundamental tools of legal research.

• Legal Problem Solving: Applying skills and concepts involved in problem solving, including identifying issues, generating various solutions and strategies, and implementing the selected approach.

Ability to:

• Communicate Legal Arguments Clearly: Present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly and logically.

• Evaluate Legal Strategies and Consequences: Evaluate the likely practical consequences of given legal strategies.

• Exercise Professional Judgment and Adaptability: Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations as needed.

• Maintain Effective Professional Relationships: Interact professionally and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers, government officials, and the public.

• Microsoft Office Suite & Internet-Based Programs: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and the ability to effectively navigate web-based applications relevant to assigned job responsibilities.

• Digital Data and Records Literacy: Ability to work with digital data, reports, and electronic records in an accurate and responsible manner.

• Cybersecurity Awareness: Adherence to agency cybersecurity policies and responsible handling of digital information. 

• Juris Doctor Degree: A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is required.

Minimum Experience

• Professional Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience as a licensed attorney.

• Communication Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex information to stakeholders of various levels.

• Government Law Experience: Prior governmental law experience, preferably representing governmental entities.

Licenses & Certifications Requirements

• Florida Bar Admission: Admission to, and good standing with, the Florida Bar.

• Management Experience: Management experience, especially supervising other attorneys, whether they are in-house or outside counsel.

• Local Government Representation: Experience with local government representation.

• Insurance Experience: Experience with insurance (policies, handling claims, etc.).

• Litigation Experience: Experience as litigation counsel to clients.

• Specialized Legal Experience: Experience in the transportation field, complex transactions involving government entities, public finance, real estate, personnel employment matters, or any combination of these subjects.

Writing Sample Requirement

• Legal Memorandum Submission: Candidates will be required to provide a legal memorandum they prepared.
  
  

General Employment Notices

Job Description.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee incumbent in this position, nor does it include all marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential job duties. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform additional duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

Essential Functions. 

The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. All essential duties and responsibilities are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities required to proficiently perform each duty.

At-Will Relationship. 

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

Introductory Period. 

All new employees, as well as current employees transferred or promoted to new positions, will undergo an initial Introductory Period of at least six (6) months. Following satisfactory completion of the Introductory Period, employees are evaluated per the Performance Appraisal Policy and attain regular employee status.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (“SFRTA”) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. It is the policy of SFRTA to provide a professional working environment that ensures equal opportunities for all employees. To accomplish this, we comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment on the grounds of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act. 

SFRTA shall not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability and shall provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are applicants or employees. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodation, as defined by the ADA, must notify the Human Resources Department at 954-788-7930 at least 72 hours prior to their scheduled interview.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Employees may be eligible for unpaid, job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Eligibility is determined in accordance with federal law and SFRTA policy.

Veterans’ Preference

SFRTA is proud to honor the service of our veterans. In accordance with Florida Statutes §?295.07, eligible veterans and spouses of veterans may receive preference in employment for certain non-exempt and non-managerial positions. Applicants claiming Veterans’ Preference must submit the required documentation (e.g., DD-214, proof of disability, or spouse eligibility documents) at the time of application. Preference will be applied as outlined in Florida law and applicable rules. If an applicant who claims Veterans’ Preference is not selected, they may request the reason for non-selection by contacting the Human Resources Department within 14 calendar days of the hiring decision.

Drug-Free Workplace. 

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) is a Drug-Free Workplace in accordance with Florida Statutes §?440.101 and §?440.102, and Chapter 59A-24 of the Florida Administrative Code. As a condition of employment, applicants who receive a conditional offer must submit to a drug screening. Refusal to submit to testing, or a confirmed positive result, will result in withdrawal of the job offer.

SFRTA’s drug screening includes substances authorized under Florida law and typically covered in a standard 10-panel urine test, such as marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. Lawfully prescribed medications may be verified through the Medical Review Officer (MRO) process.

SFRTA also conducts reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing in accordance with applicable laws. Employees are prohibited from reporting to work or remaining on duty while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Background Checks.

Employment with the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. This includes, but is not limited to, verification of education credentials, prior employment, criminal history, and professional references.

A successful employment verification consists of confirming all prior positions used to meet the minimum experience requirements of the job posting, including employment dates, job titles, and satisfactory performance.

Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate prior employment information, including the company name, physical address, phone number, and any other contact details necessary to facilitate verification. Incomplete or unverifiable employment history may result in job offer being rescinded.

All background checks are conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If information obtained from a consumer report may result in an adverse employment decision, candidates will be notified in writing and provided an opportunity to dispute the information before final action is taken.

SFRTA does not conduct credit checks as part of its standard background screening process; however, it reserves the right to do so when deemed necessary based on the responsibilities of the position.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Classification

SFRTA classifies positions as exempt or non-exempt in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime pay. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Classification is based on job duties and is subject to change based on legal requirements or agency needs.

Work Authorization

SFRTA hires only individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. As part of the hiring process, employment eligibility will be verified through the federal E-Verify system.

Certification Requirements. 

Employees holding positions that require certification after hire must obtain such certifications within the designated timeframe. Failure to meet certification requirements may result in termination.

Department of Revenue Child Support Services.  

SFRTA reports hired employees to the Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Services.

E-Verify. 

SFRTA participates in E-Verify, allowing employers to verify eligibility to work in the United States. Employees must comply with E-Verify requirements. Refer to the E-Verify Notice and Right to Work Notice for additional details.

Errors and Omissions

This job description reflects the most current information available at the time of posting. Should any errors or omissions be identified, SFRTA reserves the right to make corrections or updates as necessary. Applicants are encouraged to bring any discrepancies or questions to the attention of the Human Resources Department.

Nearest Major Market: Miami/Fort Lauderdale