Sr/Associate General Counsel - 90291021 - Washington- (Hybrid)
As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.
Are you ready to join our team?
Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
This position is responsible for advising Amtrak leadership regarding Amtrak’s legal rights and obligations on a variety of issues, including: claims and litigation management involving personal injury, death, and property loss; accident investigations; crisis response to critical incidents including catastrophic injuries, derailments and high exposure accidents; evidence preservation; health and safety; indemnity, insurance and risk management; compliance with federal regulations; legislative and rulemaking proposals; and other matters. The position supports the Claims Department and assists in supervising outside defense counsel contracted by Amtrak to litigate personal injury and property loss matters.
This is a hybrid role based in Washington, DC.
The position is also responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of corporate safety and regulatory legal advice and representation, with a focus on regulatory agency investigations, inquiries and requests for information (including by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and others), and advocacy in regulation development and industry compliance. This position requires either an understanding of and experience with or willingness to learn FRA, OSHA, environmental, public health and other applicable industry regulations, as well as Amtrak’s operating rules, safety policies and programs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Advises senior management and Claims, Safety, Human Resources, Operations, and other departments on the policies and practices relating to the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), the Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and related federal laws and regulations regarding railroad employee safety and compensation for employee injuries, and tort law as it applies to accidents involving passengers, contractors, pedestrians and motorists at railroad crossings, trespassers and other third parties.
- Assists in supervising and supports the efforts of outside counsel retained to represent Amtrak in civil trials, administrative proceedings, and other adversary proceedings or for advice, to ensure that such representation is effective and cost-efficient.
- Participates in engagement and evaluation of outside counsel and in claim and case reviews; reviews and approves outside counsel and vendor invoices, operates within budget and maintains cost controls to ensure effective utilization of Amtrak financial resources.
- Works in close partnership with Claims professionals to evaluate claims and matters in litigation, to ensure that matters are adequately reserved, and to formulate appropriate strategies for the negotiation and defense of both litigated and non-litigated claims.
- Assesses statutory and regulatory provisions and provides guidance concerning safety and compliance issues to the divisions and departments of the enterprise.
- Becomes familiar with Amtrak operations, operating rules and safety policies and programs.
- As needed, represents the Company in matters which involve or could involve proceedings before federal and state courts, administrative agencies, and arbitration tribunals.
- Advises and prepares summaries, memoranda, reports, and other written materials for the Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Managing Deputy General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and other Law Department representatives.
- Attends meetings and develops and conducts training seminars and other information dispersal systems for management and agreement employees.
- Advises and may participate in internal investigations; provides advice on ethics compliance within a corporate environment.
- Directly communicates with and responds to government regulators during inquiries and investigations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Juris Doctor from accredited law school with license to practice as an attorney under the laws of any state and the qualifications to waive into the D.C. Bar.
- In-house experience in regulatory law, tort, personal injury, personal and rolling stock property damage, and general law in the railroad or transportation industry.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills; flexibility ability to handle quick turnarounds and work effectively with diverse in-house clients.
- Superior writing and analytical skills required, and an ability quickly to learn the fundamentals of different areas of the law.
- Must possess excellent organizational skills and be able to handle multiple tasks and prioritize projects.
- Demonstrated expertise in regulatory and safety matters, developing strategies for successful claims and litigation handling.
- Computer literacy: Ability to conduct electronic legal research (LEXIS), and work with Windows Platform, Windows Office tools and programs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 11-14 years of relevant experience preferred.
- Prior in-house experience working with operations, safety and claims.
- Demonstrated experience with complex claims litigation experience including FELA, passenger and crossing claims.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Physical Demands:
- Extensive or frequent use of computer keyboard and monitor.
- Frequently performs tasks that require sitting for extended periods of time.
- Field work and nationwide travel as necessary.
Mental Demands:
- Communicates, comprehends and responds to verbal statements and instructions.
- Flexibility in developing strategies in meeting changing scenarios.
Working Conditions:
- Works in a fast-paced environment involving interpersonal interactions with time-sensitive deadlines.
COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
The salary/hourly range is $163,000-$211,140 for an Associate General Counsel and $187,500-$242,892 for a Sr. Associate General Counsel. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Amtrak offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes health, dental, and vision plans; 401K retirement plan with employer match; life insurance; paid time off; and other benefits.
Requisition ID:162913
Posting Location(s):District of Columbia
Work Arrangement:04-Hybrid Weekly
Job Family/Function:Legal
Travel Requirements:Up to 25%
Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions require a pre-employment background check.
Amtrak is an EOE/Affirmative Action Minority/Female employer, and we welcome all to apply.
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