Associate Attorney - Torts

Agnello & Rogers; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CTA seeks a junior attorney to litigate personal injury cases brought against the Authority in Chicago. Under general supervision, you will work with senior attorneys on complex matters, manage your own docket, interview witnesses, take depositions, and prepare case documents for trial.

Reliable research, writing, and advocacy skills are essential, as is a valid Illinois law license and JD; one year of relevant experience is preferred. This is a hands-on role with courtroom exposure.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in Illinois.
• At least one year of legal experience, preferably in personal injury, subrogation, or property damage.
• Ability to work with senior attorneys and in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage own docket of personal injury cases.
• Interview witnesses and take depositions.
• Prepare witnesses for court testimony and gather evidence.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and documents.
• Review discovery requests and respond.
• Assist with pre-trial negotiations and settlements.
• Represent the Authority at trials, hearings, and arbitrations.
• Supervise paralegals and support staff.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys in second-chair roles.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Research skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Negotiation

Interviewing

Team leadership

Independent work

Legal advice

Multitasking

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary

$107,407.18

Position Summary

Under general supervision, functions as a junior level attorney responsible for litigating personal injury cases brought against the authority. Works with senior attorneys on complex personal injury, subrogation, and property damage defense cases.

Primary Responsibilities

• Handles own docket of personal injury cases.
• Interviews witnesses and takes depositions.
• Prepares witnesses for court testimony, advises them on legal processes, and apprises them of evidence needed to present a substantial case.
• Conducts legal research and drafts case documents, pleadings, and motions.
• Reviews and responds to discovery requests.
• Reviews cases for pre-trial negotiation, attends pre-trial disposition conferences, and advises on settlement.
• Represents the Authority during jury and bench trials, hearings and arbitrations.
• Works with senior attorneys in a "second chair" capacity on large personal injury litigation cases including: examining witnesses, arguing motions, and drafting memoranda, briefs, and settlement agreements.
• Provides advice and counsel directly to clients.
• Manages work of paralegals and other support staff assigned to projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Management Responsibilities

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

• Paralegals
• Administrative Staff

Challenges

• Working in partnership with client departments and employees to achieve CTA goals.
• Working on many tasks simultaneously.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited school of law and licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois, plus one (1) year of legal experience, preferably specializing in personal injury, subrogation, or property damage, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to this position.

Physical Requirements

• Requires physical handling of legal documents and equipment
• Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of applicable federal and state laws.
• Working knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interrelate with clients, Authority personnel, and witnesses.
• Good research, organization and analytical skills to gather and synthesize large volumes of information into a logical convincing case.
• Good verbal and written communication skills to explain important facts clearly, logically, and concisely.
• Good negotiation skills.
• Good interviewing skills.
• Basic skill using Microsoft software.
• Ability to work on multiple projects in stressful situations.
• Ability to provide timely legal advice.
• Ability to work independently and advise and consult with management as needed.
• Ability to lead others and work in a team environment.

Working Conditions

• General office environment.
• Works various days and hours.
• Travels regularly to court, depositions, and field locations as necessary..

Equipment, Tools, and Materials Utilized

• Standard office equipment.
• On-line legal research and litigation support software.

Additional Details

Employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target.

Applicants, if hired,must comply with CTA's residency ordinance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact [e-mail] prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.

During the hiring process, CTA's Human Resources department will contact candidates with next steps . Failure to respond to these correspondences in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.