Counsel

Metra•Chicago, IL

About The Position

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. The primary duties include: 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; and recommend appropriate legal courses of action. Participate in long-term projects and settlement negotiations; and 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. 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

Must possess a Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school
Must have two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney
Must be a licensed attorney in good standing in the State of Illinois
Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and administrative procedures
Working knowledge of computer-based legal research, techniques, and tools such as Westlaw or other legal research services
Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
Strong written and oral communications, interpersonal, and organization skills
Strong interviewing, investigation, and witness preparation skills
Strong research skills and extraordinary attention to detail
Strong analytical skills, including an understanding of how to integrate facts, law, and theory
Able to work independently or in a team
Ability to lead project teams and manage multiple projects in a cost-effective manner
Able to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality
Ability to analyze problems to determine and assess risks
Ability to prepare detailed and accurate legal documents
Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois
Must be willing to travel within and outside Metra’s 6-county region
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range.

Responsibilities

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
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