Manager, Legal Operations
Description
Job Information
Manager, Legal Operations
Open Date: 10/15/2024
Authority: TA
Department: Law
Division/Unit: Torts
Reports to: Senior Director, Legal Ops
Work Location: 130 Livingston Street
Hours of work: As required
Summary
The MTA Legal Department is launching a new group within the Torts Unit focused on improving the Unit’s operations with goal of achieving improved outcomes for Torts, which handles matters involving hundreds of millions of dollars of exposure for the MTA. This job requires supporting the Sr. Director that would lead this new unit as they stand up this new group – including diagnosing challenges, implementing new processes, and managing multiple stakeholder groups, within and outside the Legal Department.
Key responsibilities will include supporting the Director in defining the Torts’ operational strategy (according to guidance from Unit Chief), diagnosing existing processes and making targeted recommendations, leading related projects, and facilitating change management initiatives to implement these activities. This includes supporting employees in adopting new processes as well as managing Legal Ops Associates as needed
Compensation
100k-120k
Responsibilities
- Work on high-profile Torts initiatives to support leadership in implementing an operational strategy for Torts unit to effectively manage growing number of claims
- Lead in managing Torts legal operations with the supervision of the Sr. Director of Legal Ops with the goal of realizing “best practices” (e.g., case management technology, evidence collection processes, financial / KPI reporting, performance management frameworks, etc.), particularly with regard to responsibly managing operational and administrative costs
- Solicit and present data, concepts, and issues using qualitative and quantitative sources (e.g., internal and external benchmarks, Torts databases, user interviews) to make the case for potential process improvement opportunities. Design and conduct analysis that lead to recommendations for senior MTA leadership (within Legal and for other executives)
- Design, test, and implement new processes for overall operations, including those that make best use of department technology and processes
- Support attorneys and management with data and analysis on key operational topics (e.g., settlement outcomes, outside counsel management), and stand up new process (e.g., monitoring, communicating, and processing settlement claims; processes for managing payment, retention, assignment, and updates)
- Manage pool of analysts to complete other analytical or administrative work as requested. Stand up new projects to address priorities of departmental leadership and turn them into repeatable, low-maintenance processes.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Transportation, Public Policy, Legal [KB1] [KT2] or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from an accredited college may be considered in lieu of a degree.
A minimum of 5-6 years of professional experience. An advanced degree may substitute for 2 years of experience.
Demonstrated supervisory and/or leadership abilities.
Competencies
- Ability to identify meaningful trends in data and synthesize for senior management
- Excellent quantitative analysis
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
- Must be able to follow through with implementation in a complex organization and assess need for adjustments to achieve success.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a high profile, high pressure environment effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
- Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
- Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
- Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Preferred
- Master’s degree in a related field (administration, public policy, business)
- At least 3 years in a managerial and/or leadership role.
- Prior experience working in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body.
- Familiarity with Legal operations procedures and best practices
- Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
- Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining procedures
Other Information
Pursuant 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 with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply