RIGHT OF WAY RESEARCH ANALYST

Definition

Under the direction of a Supervising Right of Way Research Analyst in the Department of Transportation, performs legal research in connection with right of way acquisition and prepares all documents pertaining thereto; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Under supervision, prepares all legal documents pertaining to the acquisition of real property by means of condemnation, such as: complaints, lis pendens, declaration of taking, order for payment into court and for possession, order to show cause, and order for judgment and appointing commissioners.
• In cases where a complaint requires an amendment, prepares notices of motion to amend the complaint, the amendment to the complaint, consent orders, stipulations, amended declarations of taking, amended lis pendens, order allowing amendment of the complaint.
• In cases where settlement is reached by agreement, prepares an affidavit for withdrawal of funds on deposit with the Clerk of the Superior Court, together with an order allowing the withdrawal; when required, draw warrants to discharge a lis pendens of record.
• Corresponds with attorneys and property owners when not represented by attorneys, in writing and discussion by telephone, or in person.
• Effects liaison with the Title Bureau concerning title matters and with Department engineers concerning engineering matters.
• Effects liaison with the Manager for coordination and documentation on sensitive cases.
• Files legal documents with the court and with the County Clerk's office in the appropriate county.
• Prepares all documents for an action in Specific Performance and prepares cases for trial as determined necessary by the Attorney General's office.
• Prepares any and all necessary pleadings relating to possessory actions.
• Transfers complete files to the Attorney General's office for litigation.
• Prepares copies of complaints and related documents for service upon all parties and interests named in the complaint; transmits copies to the Title Bureau for service by Process Servers.
• Works with the Office of the Attorney General in Department legal matters and prepares material for use in litigation in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.
• Prepares and files affidavits of service.
• Prepares publications for location of owners to be advertised in newspapers; prepares and files affidavits of inquiry into location of unknown owners.
• Prepares correspondence.
• Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports.
• Maintains essential records, reports and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• <b>REQUIREMENTS
• EDUCATION</b>
• Graduation from an accredited law school.

Experience

Four (4) years of professional experience in the preparation of documents pertaining to the acquisition of right of way, which shall have included study and experience in legal research.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the practices and procedures of Right of Way acquisition and of the Right of Way organization and highway work flow.
• Knowledge of the sources, documents, methods, and procedures involved in the acquisition of real property by means of condemnation.
• Knowledge of the methods and procedures for filing documents with courts and county clerks' offices.
• Ability to organize and complete research and related projects concerned with the acquisition of real property.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret basic law, regulations, and procedures.
• Ability to locate and brief court decisions, precedents, opinions, legal citations, and other legal material.
• Ability to determine the compliance of Department procedures with those established by courts of law.
• Ability to prepare material for hearings, reviews, determinations, and use in court.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved with the work of the unit.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and present information and data.
• Ability to draft correspondence.
• Ability to prepare clear, legally sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.