Sr Paralegal

Ocean State Job Lot; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra seeks an experienced Paralegal to support its Law Department. The role involves drafting and maintaining legal correspondence, organizing records, and performing legal research under the Deputy General Counsel.

You will also handle FOIA and OMA requests and coordinate day-to-day team activities in a fast-paced railroad environment. Qualified candidates will have at least four years of paralegal experience and an ABA-accredited certification.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, Paralegal Certificate, or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least four years of paralegal or comparable legal support experience, including legal research, document preparation, and records management.
• Knowledge of court procedures, filing requirements, subpoena process, and legal terminology.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and litigation-related tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in drafting and maintaining correspondence between the agency's departments and external parties.
• Organize, maintain, and update paper and computerized records; deliver materials to courts and government buildings; correct legal documents.
• Conduct legal research; verify citations from statutes, decisions, and legal articles.
• Provide guidance to junior team members and coordinate day-to-day activities; monitor performance and training (not supervisory).
• Serve as FOIA Officer and OMA Officer; respond to FOIA requests and maintain related spreadsheets.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment.

Education

Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or Paralegal Certificate or Bachelor's degree

Paralegal Certification (ABA Accredited)

Tools

Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)

Litigation software & databases

Job description

Metra is America's fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.
To meet those needs, Metra employs a diverse workforce in an environment that fosters creativity and drives innovation. We invite you to learn more about Metra and the many career opportunities we offer.

Administrative Support(Including Clerical and Sales)

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 Paralegal will work directly with Metra's Litigation Attorneys, Director of Claims & Claims Specialists, the Director of Litigation, and Deputy General Counsel of Litigation; may be assigned tasks specific to litigation, corporate law, or risk management; maintain legal records, documents, and files; conduct research; collect information; compose routine legal correspondence; respond to requests for information.

The primary duties include: 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; research case Information; retrieve and verify legal sources and citations from statutes, recorded judicial decisions, and legal articles. 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. Coordinate team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

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

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, Paralegal Certificate, or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• In addition to #1, must have at least four (4) years of experience performing paralegal or comparable legal support work, including legal research, document preparation, records management, case support activities, or drafting response to request and appeals
• Considerable knowledge of court procedures, filing requirements, pleading rules, and the subpoena process.
• Considerable knowledge of legal terminology and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of record keeping, case management, report preparation, and research techniques and methodologies.
• Working knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA) requirements.
• Familiar with local, state, and federal regulations related to railroad transportation.
• Ability to practice and foster an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation on varying tasks with shifting priorities.
• Ability to interpret and apply specific laws and ordinances.
• Ability to work independently in the absence of specific instructions on tasks of varying complexity within established deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Ability to perform legal research, draft legal documents, and summarize complex documents and transcripts.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); and litigation-related computer applications and databases.
• Familiarity with legal technology, including document management systems, e-discovery platforms, electronic records management systems, and AI-assisted legal research and document review tools.
• Strong organizational, administrative, analytical, and time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate legal subject matter in a professional manner with employees at all levels within the agency, external organizations, and the general public.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.

Preferred:

• Paralegal Certification from an ABA Accredited Institution

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. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or 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 [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.

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 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.

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