Counsel

Metra; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 89,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra's Law Department seeks a Counsel to support the Corporate/Regulatory team in Chicago. The attorney will research, draft, review, and negotiate contracts and legal documents, and advise leadership on compliance, risk, and litigation matters.

The role requires an Illinois license, 2+ years of practice, and the ability to handle complex investigations with discretion and integrity, supporting a broad municipal transportation remit.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school is required.
• Two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Active Illinois license in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Support Corporate/Regulatory team within Metra's Law Department.
• Provide legal research, analyses, and concise guidance to leadership.
• Draft, review, and interpret legal documents and contracts.
• Advise on compliance, risk, employment, real estate, and litigation matters.
• Represent the agency in administrative proceedings and court when needed.
• Assist with complex investigations and settlement negotiations.

Skills

Legal research

Written communication

Oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Project leadership

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Tools

Westlaw

Microsoft 365

Job description

Salary Range

$98,438.00 - $147,658.00

Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra's Law Department is supported by the General Counsel, who reports to Metra's Board of Directors and CEO. The department provides legal counsel to the Board, Metra's senior leadership and every department in the agency. The department is organized into three teams: Governance/Team Support, Corporate/Regulatory, and Litigation/Risk Management. Metra's Ethics Officer is a member of the department. The Law Department focuses on proactively identifying and addressing legal issues in support of Metra's mission to deliver safe, reliable, efficient, and affordable commuter rail service that enhances the economic and environmental health of Northeast Illinois.

Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the Counsel will support the Corporate/Regulatory team within the Law Department; perform a variety of legal functions, including moderately complex matters involving compliance, contracts, employment, litigation, real estate, risk, or general corporate matters; provide accurate and concise legal research and analyses; support senior attorneys in advising senior leadership; help resolve legal issues and disputes; draft and review legal documents; and may represent the agency in administrative proceedings and in court.

This position will require some specialized experience, to be identified in the position posting, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the assigned area.

Primary Duties

• Work collaboratively with agency teams responsible for products and services requiring contracts or other legal documentation;
• Review processes to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
• Provide accurate, concise, and practical advice on legal matters;
• Recommend appropriate legal courses of action;
• Participate in long-term projects and settlement negotiations;
• Provide counsel, risk assessment, and strategy recommendations;
• Conduct legal research;
• Analyze municipal, state, and federal laws and regulations, particularly those related to public transportation to ensure compliance;
• Conduct fact investigations and interview witnesses; gather, analyze, and document evidence across a broad range of legal matters;
• Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment;
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Additional Duties

• Review, negotiate and participate in high-value procurement contract negotiations and contract matters;
• Review and interpret local, state, and federal ordinances, laws, and regulations, including those involving the Federal Transit Administration, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and Open Meetings Act (OMA);
• Draft, review, and interpret legal documents and contracts to ensure all relevant facts and legal considerations are addressed before execution;
• May assist with employment-related issues, as needed;
• Review the agency's policies and procedures to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with applicable laws and regulations;
• May periodically represent the agency in court and before administrative agencies;
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the department.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Requirements

1. Must possess a Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school.
2. In addition to #1, must have two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney.
3. Must be a licensed attorney in good standing in the State of Illinois.
4. Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and administrative procedures.
5. Working knowledge of computer-based legal research, techniques, and tools such as Westlaw or other legal research services.
6. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
7. Strong written and oral communications, interpersonal, and organization skills.
8. Strong interviewing, investigation, and witness preparation skills.
9. Strong research skills and extraordinary attention to detail.
10. Strong analytical skills, including an understanding of how to integrate facts, law, and theory.
11. Able to work independently or in a team.
12. Ability to lead project teams and manage multiple projects in a cost-effective manner.
13. Able to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
14. Ability to analyze problems to determine and assess risks.
15. Ability to prepare detailed and accurate legal documents.
16. Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois.
17. Must be willing to travel within and outside Metra's 6-county region.
18. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact [e-mail]. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.