Chief Attorney - Torts

Chicago Transit Authority•Chicago, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction, performs senior level professional legal work with “first chair” responsibilities related to personal injury matters involving the Authority, with a particular emphasis on significant personal injury litigation. Represents the Authority in litigating own case load of significant personal injury cases and provides advice to more junior attorneys regarding legal strategy.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited school of law
License to practice law in the State of Illinois and Federal courts
Seven (7) years of experience as a practicing attorney
Three (3) years of Tort experience and/or experience in state and federal court
Maintain appropriate continuing legal education credits
Detailed knowledge of applicable federal and state laws.
Detailed knowledge of negotiation strategies.
Working knowledge of the methods and practices of legal research and investigation, judicial procedure, and the rules of evidence.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite including word processing functions.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical skills necessary for competent legal interpretation.
Strong managerial and administrative skills to direct and coordinate the activities of the case/transaction team.
Strong interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interrelate with other Law Department staff and various levels of personnel from other Authority departments.
Ability to work with integrity, initiative, and the creativity to provide effective solutions to CTA issues.
Ability to provide legal advice in a short response time, work on many tasks simultaneously, and play increasing managerial role.
Ability to independently handle all matters that arise in practice area.
Ability to practice skills and experience to “first chair” almost every litigation matter involving the Authority.

Nice To Haves

Experience with public sector procurement laws preferred

Responsibilities

Acts as lead attorney for Authority in handling own docket of personal injury cases through all phases of litigation.
Appears frequently in court for hearings, arbitrations, and trials.
Performs all phases of discovery including written discovery, takes and defends depositions, prepares and deposes witnesses and expert witnesses, collects legal and medical research, and drafts pleadings and motions for caseload that consists primarily of significant personal injury matters (e.g., Law Division and federal court cases).
Serves as “first chair” for any personal injury lawsuit involving the CTA.
Acts as mentor and oversees activities of junior attorneys, paralegals, and other legal support staff.
Supervises junior attorneys acting in a “second chair” capacity on large litigation. Chief attorneys fill the leadership role in these assignments, serving as lead counsel for the CTA.
Provides mentoring and other skill-development services for more junior attorneys and staff.
Manages work of paralegals and other support staff assigned to his/her projects.
Provides legal advice and consultation on personal injury matters throughout the Authority to clients and staff.
Performs related duties as assigned.