Labor Counsel
Company: Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Location: New York City
Posted on: April 2, 2026
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Job Description:
Description Position at MTA Headquarters JOB TITLE: Labor
Counsel DEPT/DIV: Labor Relations WORK LOCATION: 2 Broadway
FULL/PART-TIME FUL L SALARY RANGE: $126,288 - $157,860 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 Labor Counsel is responsible for providing expert
legal advice on Labor Relations matters to MTA senior staff and
managers. This role represents the authority in disciplinary cases
and trials, determines the strategy for litigation, and serves as
an advocate in administrative proceedings for the MTA and its
agencies. Responsibilities: Arbitrations and Administrative
Tribunals. Serve as the authority’s legal advocate in contract
grievances, disciplinary cases, arbitrations, trials, mediations,
and administrative proceedings, ensuring that the Authority’s
position is effectively presented. Formulates litigation strategy
and settlements, prepares witnesses, gathers evidence, researches
legal issues, drafts legal briefs and other litigation papers,
presents oral arguments to arbitrators, mediators, and
Administrative Law Judges. Serve as counsel to Authority
management, providing day-to-day advice and legal evaluation in
connection with disciplinary matters, labor issues, New York State
Civil Service Law, contract interpretations, and policy formation.
Ensure compliance with the legal obligations required under the
collective bargaining agreements as well as under New York State
and Federal law. Review labor legislation and formulate the
Authority’s statement in support/statement in opposition to
legislation. Ensure the Authority’s position on proposed
legislation is delivered timely to the MTA’s legislative team.
Evaluate evidence, assess possible litigation outcomes, draft
disciplinary charges, formulate proposals, day-to-day contact and
negotiations with union representatives to resolve litigation
matters, and respond to information requests / FOIL requests for
information sought by labor. Participate in collective bargaining
negotiations, record minutes of collective bargaining negotiations,
assist in developing collective bargaining strategies, and ensure
the smooth implementation of collectively bargained terms.
Negotiate labor contracts within cost guidelines and patterns set
by the MTA. Participate in Labor/Management meetings. Prepare
minutes from prior Labor/Management meetings. Address and resolve
issues without the need for grievances or litigation, and maintain
a channel of effective communication with the unions. Other duties
as assigned. Required Qualifications: With wide latitude for the
exercise of independent judgment, decision making and initiative,
this position involves presenting the Authority’s position in
litigated proceedings as well as in day to day incidents involving
disciplinary matters; advocating to judges, arbitrators, mediators,
unions and senior level management that certain actions are
necessary for the operational needs of the Authority and/or the
resolution of disputes; proposing strategies to ensure the
appropriate resolution of disputes that is consistent with law and
the Authority’s goals and policies. Preparation of litigation
strategy and evidence. Presentation of evidence at arbitrations,
administrative proceedings, and disciplinary conferences and
trials. Knowledge of the statutory framework of labor relations in
New York, including knowledge of New York State Civil Service Law,
Administrative Law, and Taylor Law. Knowledge of OATH practice,
arbitration, and labor administrative tribunals and their
practices. Prioritize the heavy workload and demands of the Labor
Relations department as well, to present cases to further the goals
of the Authority. The position requires a strong legal advocate
while maintaining a balanced approach to labor management issues.
Required Education and Experience: J.D. degree from an accredited
Law School is required. Admitted to practice law in the State of
New York is required. Minimum of 6 years of legal experience with
primary emphasis on litigation and/or labor relations. 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.
Keywords: Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Stamford , Labor Counsel, Legal , New York City, Connecticut
