Associate Attorney - Torts

Chicago Transit Authority•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Associate Attorney is a junior-level attorney responsible for litigating personal injury cases brought against the Authority. The attorney handles an individual docket and works with senior attorneys on complex personal injury, subrogation, and property damage defense cases. The position provides advice and counsel directly to clients, manages assigned paralegals and support staff, and performs other duties as assigned. The role requires working in partnership with client departments and employees to achieve CTA goals while managing many tasks simultaneously. It is based in a general office environment and involves travel to court, depositions, and field locations as necessary. The employee must live within the CTA Statutory Service Area when hired or within six months of beginning employment at CTA, and must comply with CTA's residency ordinance.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited school of law.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.
One year of legal experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to the position.
Working knowledge of applicable federal and state laws.
Working knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients, Authority personnel, and witnesses.
Research, organization, and analytical skills to gather and synthesize large volumes of information into a logical, convincing case.
Verbal and written communication skills to explain important facts clearly, logically, and concisely.
Negotiation skills.
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.
Ability to meet the CTA Statutory Service Area residency requirement at employment or within six months of beginning employment, and comply with CTA's residency ordinance.

Nice To Haves

Legal experience preferably specializing in personal injury, subrogation, or property damage.

Responsibilities

Handle an individual docket of personal injury cases.
Interview witnesses and take depositions.
Prepare witnesses for court testimony, advise them on legal processes, and inform them of evidence needed to present a substantial case.
Conduct legal research and draft case documents, pleadings, and motions.
Review and respond to discovery requests.
Review cases for pre-trial negotiation, attend pre-trial disposition conferences, and advise on settlement.
Represent the Authority during jury and bench trials, hearings, and arbitrations.
Work as second chair with senior attorneys on large personal injury litigation cases, including examining witnesses, arguing motions, and drafting memoranda, briefs, and settlement agreements.
Provide advice and counsel directly to clients.
Manage the work of paralegals and other support staff assigned to projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.