Job Summary

SMART-TD’s Legal Department advises and represents the organization and its officers on a broad range of matters related to SMART-TD’s representation of employees in the railroad, transit, and bus industries. The practice includes labor and employment law, litigation, legislative and regulatory matters, and additional practice areas as required by the needs of the organization. The Department regularly handles matters arising under the Railway Labor Act (“RLA”), National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”), Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (“LMRDA”), and other federal and state labor and employment laws. The practice is unique in that the majority of litigation is handled in-house.

SMART-TD is seeking a highly motivated attorney to join its Legal Department. The ideal candidate will possess strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage matters independently while working collaboratively with other members of the Legal Department. Experience in labor and employment law, litigation, or representing labor organizations is preferred.

The attorney will work closely with SMART-TD leadership, officers, and other members of the Legal Department on a broad range of legal matters. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Responsibilities:

• Representing SMART-TD and its officers in litigation, administrative proceedings, regulatory matters, and arbitration;
• Handling all phases of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, hearings, trials, and appeals;
• Conducting legal research and preparing memoranda, briefs, and other legal analyses;
• Drafting, reviewing, and revising legal documents, correspondence, agreements, and filings;
• Advising SMART-TD officers and leadership regarding labor and employment matters, collective bargaining agreements, internal union governance, and other legal issues affecting the organization and its members;
• Handling matters arising under federal and state law, including the Railway Labor Act, National Labor Relations Act, and Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act;
• Assisting with legislative and regulatory matters before federal and state agencies as needed;
• Managing assigned matters and ensuring compliance with applicable deadlines and procedural requirements; and
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law and good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; eligibility for admission in Ohio is preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience with a reputable law firm, labor organization, government agency, and/or in-house legal department preferred.
• Experience in litigation, labor and employment law, or representation of labor organizations is strongly preferred.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters, prioritize competing deadlines, and work independently.
• Sound professional judgment and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with organizational leadership, officers, members, opposing counsel, courts, arbitrators, and government agencies.
• Familiarity with the Railway Labor Act, National Labor Relations Act, Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, federal court litigation, labor arbitration, collective bargaining, and/or administrative and regulatory practice is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal research platforms, including Westlaw.
• Willingness to travel as necessary for hearings, arbitrations, court appearances, meetings, and other organizational matters.
• Proven self-starter who is able to take ownership of assigned matters with appropriate supervision.

Location

The office is located in Independence, Ohio.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience

Generous Benefits Package Includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Defined benefit pension plan, 401(k) with employer contribution, and Railroad Retirement benefits.
• Generous paid vacation, paid time off (PTO) allocation, and 11 observed holidays.

SMART-TD is an Equal Opportunity Employer