Senior Paralegal — Litigation, FOIA & Records

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Paralegal to support the Law Department in Chicago. The role involves drafting and managing correspondence, organizing records, and performing legal research to support litigation and regulatory matters.

Qualified candidates will have 4+ years of paralegal experience, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of FOIA/OMA. The position requires travel within Metra's six-county region and offers full benefits.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or related degree.
• At least four years of paralegal or legal support experience.
• Knowledge of court procedures, filing requirements, and subpoenas.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and record keeping.
• Working knowledge of FOIA and Open Meetings Act (OMA).
• Familiar with railroad transportation regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in drafting and maintaining oral and written correspondence between the agency’s departments and external parties.
• Organize, maintain, and update paper and computerized records and files; collect and deliver materials to local courts and government buildings; and correct legal documents.
• Conduct legal research; retrieve and verify legal sources and citations.
• Provide guidance and oversight to junior team members on work-product and tasks.
• Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor.
• Serve as FOIA Officer and OMA Officer; provide responses to FOIA requests, liaise with other departments on matters pertaining to FOIA requests; and maintain spreadsheets for active and closed FOIA requests.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Verbal & written communication

Time management

Analytical abilities

Education

Associate degree in Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Certificate

Bachelor's degree

Paralegal Certification (ABA)

Tools

Microsoft 365

Document management systems

E-discovery platforms

AI-assisted legal research

Job description

Metra is seeking a Paralegal to support the Law Department in Chicago. The role involves drafting and managing correspondence, organizing records, and performing legal research to support litigation and regulatory matters.

Qualified candidates will have 4+ years of paralegal experience, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of FOIA/OMA. The position requires travel within Metra's six-county region and offers full benefits.