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Special Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MTA Headquarters

Special Counsel

New York, NY · On-site

$192K - $240K/yr

Special Counsel to the MTA General Counsel DEPT/DIV: Legal WORK LOCATION: 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 FULL/PART-TIME FULL SALARY RANGE: $192,068 -$240,085 DEADLINE: Until filled Opening: The ...

County of Bucks

Special Counsel

Doylestown, PA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Special Counsel JOB CODE: 0325 DEPARTMENT: Law Department UNION: 00 FLSA STATUS: Exempt GRADE: 99 POSITION SUMMARY : This is a full-time position for an attorney who is committed to serving the ...

NxT Level

Special Counsel (Remote)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$185K - $200K/yr

Special Counsel - Employment Law (Remote) Location: Virtual Office | Primarily Remote | $185,000 - $200,000 A nationally recognized labor and employment law firm is seeking a Special Counsel with 7+ ...

NxT Level

Special Counsel (Remote)

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $200K/yr

Special Counsel - Employment Law (Remote) Location: Virtual Office | Primarily Remote | $185,000 - $200,000 A nationally recognized labor and employment law firm is seeking a Special Counsel with 7+ ...

Ogletree Deakins

EEO Special Counsel

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$1.2K/wk

The Special Counsel attorney will focus on handling administrative charges before federal, state and local agencies, including investigation, assessment and development of risk strategies, client ...

Department of Justice

Special Counsel

Washington, DC

$151K/yr

... of the Special Counsel. Please be sure to give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess. ECQ1 - COMMITMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW AND THE ...

City of New York

Special Counsel

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

OIP is headed by the City's Chief Privacy Officer, who leads and implements the City's privacy strategy and policy, advises agencies on federal, state, and local privacy law, and counsels on citywide ...

City of New York

Special Counsel

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

OIP is headed by the City's Chief Privacy Officer, who leads and implements the City's privacy strategy and policy, advises agencies on federal, state, and local privacy law, and counsels on citywide ...

City of New York

Special Counsel

Brooklyn, NY

OIP is headed by the City's Chief Privacy Officer, who leads and implements the City's privacy strategy and policy, advises agencies on federal, state, and local privacy law, and counsels on citywide ...

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Special Counsel information

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$58.5K

$151.6K

$267K

How much do special counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for special counsel in the United States is $151,643.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,500.00 and $190,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Special Counsel vs Associate Attorney?

AspectSpecial CounselAssociate Attorney
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission, specialized experienceJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission, entry-level or early career
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporations, government agencies; often more autonomousLaw firms, corporate legal departments; typically supervised by senior attorneys
Employer & Industry UsageLegal firms, corporate legal teams, governmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Special Counsel and Associate Attorney roles both require a Juris Doctor degree and bar admission. However, Special Counsels usually have more experience, work more independently, and often hold specialized expertise, whereas Associate Attorneys are typically early in their careers and work under supervision. The roles are common in law firms, corporate legal teams, and government agencies, with the main difference being experience level and autonomy.

What is the job of a Special Counsel?

A Special Counsel is a legal professional appointed to investigate and oversee specific legal matters, often involving complex or sensitive issues. They typically have extensive legal expertise, may work independently or within a government agency, and are responsible for conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence, and providing reports or recommendations based on their findings.

How to make $500,000 a year as a lawyer?

Special Counsel lawyers can earn $500,000 or more annually by working in high-demand practice areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, or mergers and acquisitions, often at large firms or in-house legal departments. Building expertise, gaining extensive experience, and developing a strong professional network are essential, along with pursuing advanced certifications like a Certified Specialist designation or an LL.M. degree. Success also depends on billable hours, client development skills, and the ability to handle complex legal matters efficiently.

What is a good legal side hustle?

A Special Counsel can pursue legal side hustles such as freelance legal consulting, document review, or providing legal advice through online platforms. These activities often require relevant legal expertise, a license to practice law, and adherence to ethical standards, and they can be scheduled flexibly outside of primary job hours.

How does a Special Counsel typically interact with other legal teams and departments within an organization?

A Special Counsel often serves as a subject matter expert and advisor, collaborating closely with both internal legal teams and other departments such as compliance, risk management, and executive leadership. They may provide guidance on complex legal matters, oversee internal investigations, and assist in developing organizational policies. Regular communication and coordination are essential, as Special Counsel often bridge the gap between legal strategy and operational execution. This collaborative environment allows them to influence key decisions and ensure legal considerations are integrated throughout the organization.

What are the qualifications for Special Counsel?

Special Counsel positions typically require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid license to practice law, and several years of legal experience, often in a specialized area such as litigation, compliance, or regulatory work. Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills are essential, along with proficiency in legal research tools and adherence to ethical standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Special Counsel, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Counsel, you need deep legal expertise in your practice area, strong analytical abilities, and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with bar admission. Proficiency with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and relevant legal certifications is often required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex client relationships are standout soft skills. These qualifications and skills are essential to provide high-level legal advice, oversee intricate matters, and build client trust.

What is a Special Counsel?

A Special Counsel is an attorney appointed to investigate, and potentially prosecute, specific legal matters where there may be a conflict of interest for the regular prosecuting authority or where a high level of independence is needed. Special Counsels typically handle high-profile or sensitive investigations, such as those involving government officials or complex corporate wrongdoing. They operate independently from regular government prosecutors but are still subject to certain regulations and oversight. Their findings can lead to criminal charges, policy recommendations, or public reports.
More about Special Counsel jobs
What cities are hiring for Special Counsel jobs? Cities with the most Special Counsel job openings:
What states have the most Special Counsel jobs? States with the most job openings for Special Counsel jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Special Counsel jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Special Counsel jobs are:
Special Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Counsel job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,643 per year, or $72.9 per hour.

Special Counsel

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

New York, NY • On-site

$192K - $240K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Metropolitan Transportation Authority rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 97 rated public transport

Job description

Description
Position at MTA Headquarters
POSTING NO.
14267
JOB TITLE:
Special Counsel to the MTA General Counsel
DEPT/DIV:
Legal
WORK LOCATION:
2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
FULL/PART-TIME
FULL
SALARY RANGE:
$192,068 -$240,085
DEADLINE:
Until filled
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 Special Counsel to the MTA General Counsel is a senior member of the consolidated MTA Legal Department who reports to the MTA General Counsel and provides legal counsel, support, and direction regarding novel matters that pertain to or impact policy and programmatic issues and initiatives of the MTA and MTA Legal Department. The Special Counsel provides strategic legal advice and works in partnership with the MTA General Counsel, First Deputy General Counsel, Agency General Counsels (NYCTA, LIRR, MNR, and TBTA), and other executive staff.
Responsibilities:
The Special Counsel to the MTA General Counsel will:
  • Participate in and support the development and implementation of interagency and intra-agency initiatives addressing complex legal, operational, and/or administrative issues.
  • Provide legal advice and counsel on matters involving critical time-sensitive issues such as cybersecurity breaches, safety and security matters, and responses to proposed legislation.
  • Assist the MTA operating agencies with novel legal and programmatic matters and coordinate the appropriate resources to handle such matters.
  • Recommend and support the issuance of policies and procedures involving a wide range of operational and administrative concerns.
  • Provide general support to the MTA General Counsel in furtherance of the business goals of the MTA Legal Department.
  • At the direction of the MTA General Counsel, provide support to the MTA First Deputy General Counsel for Litigation and Transactional matters, Agency General Counsels, and/or the MTA Deputy General Counsel Unit Chiefs in the litigation and transactional practice areas.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Strong leadership and management skills, with a track record of leading a team of legal professionals, managing large projects, and advising an organization's senior management.
  • Experience in matters involving interagency coordination or crisis management.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface effectively with all levels of the MTA and external parties, including high-profile government officials.
  • Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.

Required Education and Experience:
  • JD from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in New York.
  • A minimum of ten years of legal experience is required.

The Following is/are preferred:
  • A combination of Law firm and in-house experience.
  • Public sector legal experience, particularly in New York City or New York State.
  • Demonstrated experience in both transactional and litigation practice.

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.

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