Gregory George Email & Phone Number

Brooklyn, New York, United States

Overseeing various aspects of the MTA transformation plan.

Supervising all aspects of Examination and Practice (Pre-Trial Litigation) across all five counties. The Torts Division defends the Authority's approximately 10,000 existing personal injury cases, and another 1,500 involving property damage. Torts is comprised of Pre-Trial and Trial Units for each county, Investigation Units for each county, and a Property Damage Unit encompassing all counties. Of the roughly 11,500 cases in both Federal and State court, about 50 are resolved via trial verdict each year, and several hundred more are settled at the trial stage. Finding the most efficient means to assess, defend, and resolve the rest of the cases requires careful consideration of policy issues, legal theories, long-term mission goals, and managing the historically overtaxed resources and personnel of a state agency. The solution includes project-managing diverse initiatives ranging from drafting service contracts from scratch and managing vendor relationships, to modernizing procedures both inside the Law Department and with NYCTA’s many operational departments. Formulating and implementing training and performance management policies for 70% of all Torts Division employees as well as all outside counsel performing Pre-Trial work. Implementing new policies and procedures to streamline operations for Examination and Practice, including all Investigation, Property Damage, and Pre-Trial Units for all counties. Training and supervising both Investigation and Pre-Trial legal personnel. Continually updating and editing the Law Department's Microsoft Sharepoint intranet legal database I created in 2009. Implementing new policies and procedures related to the pandemic - transitioning the Law Department from a physical to a virtual work environment.

Directed discovery and implemented new policies and procedures to streamline the newly created Bronx Pre-Trial Unit, the first new non-vertical unit in decades - in the most challenging venue in New York City. Created and implemented new procedures and protocols to measure and improve unit performance. Established the operating model for other Pre-Trial units. Supervised and guided six Pre-Trial attorneys (three junior) and three paralegals. Edited Law Department intranet site and supervised four associate editors. Served on various committees to implement improvements to long-standing departmental policies. Represented the Torts Division at various interdepartmental meetings concerning Transit issues such as platform gaps, ADA compliance, wheelchair securement, the bus camera program, technological innovations, and various maintenance and infrastructure matters.

Defended New York City Transit at trial against tort claims in Bronx County. Comprehensively managed more than 150 tort cases from pleadings through trial in the most challenging trial venue in New York City. Completed National Institute for Trial Advocacy Trial Skills Program. Tried 41 cases, 36 to verdict. Six awards resulted in those trials involving liability – three were reversed by post-trial motion or on appeal. Designed and launched the Law Department’s intranet website which provides up-to-date access to the Law Department's databases including prior motions, trial transcripts, appellate briefs, case law, multimedia, and other Transit-related content. Initiated numerous policy changes in internal communications, technology applications, trial practice, discovery, and investigations. Conducted plaintiff’s and defendant’s depositions. Supervised several paralegals. Appeared in court for motions and conferences.

Defended the Authority in tort cases from pleadings to preparation for trial, or to settlement. Responsibilities encompassed all aspects of Pre-Trial litigation including witness preparation, plaintiff and defendant depositions, court appearances for motions and conferences. Drafted various legal documents including motions, pleadings, and responses to discovery demands. Prepared several cases for trial, including one which progressed through jury selection before settlement, and second-seated a case involving a customer struck by an Authority train.

Doctor Of Law - Jd, Law

Activities and Societies: CALI Award - Trial Advocacy

Master Of Arts - Ma, Psychology

Activities and Societies: Awarded two teaching fellowships in Psychology PhD program. Taught several undergraduate Psychology courses.

Met All Program Requirements For Master Of Arts Except Thesis, Psychology

Activities and Societies: Awarded three New York State teaching fellowships.

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Psychology