Senior Counsel, Employment and Labor

The Senior Counsel, Employment & Labor, will : (1) provide high-level employment and labor-related advice and counseling, and (2) represent the MBTA and MassDOT in employment and labor-related litigation. The Senior Counsel reports directly to the Senior Lead Counsel and then to Managing Counsel for Employment & Labor. Senior Counsel will deliver excellent legal services to advance the MBTA’s and MassDOT’s interests relative to all employment and labor-related matters. The Senior Counsel collaborates with other Centers of Excellence (COEs) and provides support and mentoring of other employment and labor attorneys and support staff as necessary.

• Work with stakeholders in addressing all types of employment and labor-related issues and in drafting, revising, and implementing employment-related policies based on legal research to ensure compliance with laws, which will have a significant impact on the MBTA and MassDOT.
• Mentor and guide MBTA employment and labor attorneys along with Senior Lead Counsel.
• Provide confidential legal advice and counsel to stakeholders in the areas of employee hiring, performance, discipline, and separation.
• Investigate complex MCAD and EEOC claims and respond to complex federal and state MCAD, EEOC, DOL, DLR, and other agency charges and complaints.
• Defend arbitrations and MCAD, EEOC, DLR, DOR, and Civil Service complaints. Handle negotiations, mediations, and alternative dispute resolution of employment and labor-related matters.
• Research, inform, and interface with stakeholders regarding existing and / or changes to state and federal employment and labor laws.
• Support outside counsel in their handling of employment and labor matters.
• Work directly with the Senior Lead Counsel, Managing Counsel and General Counsel to identify and review risk assessments of policies related to employment and labor.
• Provide guidance to senior managers on compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Communicate with representatives of other agencies and collaborate with cross-agency teams and stakeholders to share information, resolve issues, and develop or implement new programs.
• Prepare reports on case status, risk exposure, and dispositions, which may include sensitive and confidential personnel information.
• Maintain data in management system on a timely and complete basis.
• Provide legal advice and counsel to stakeholders on collective bargaining related matters.
• Keep informed of legal developments and changes in employment and labor law.
• Adhere to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Respond to employment and labor-related emergencies.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

Qualifications

Preferred Experience and Skills

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