Legal Assistant

Metra•Chicago, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Office Manager, the Legal Assistant will provide a range of day-to-day clerical and administrative functions in support the department's legal team; maintain records, documents, and files; compose routine legal correspondence; and conduct research.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED is required.
In addition to #1, four (4) years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary or related administrative support.
Type at least 35 wpm.
Knowledge of standard legal forms and terminology, documents, and formats.
Knowledge of court filing and calendar procedures.
Knowledge of office operations, practices, procedures, and equipment.
Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, external groups, and organizations.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
Ability to perform detailed work accurately.
Ability to prepare legal documents from general instructions.
Ability to transcribe lengthy legal recordings accurately.
Ability to proof and correct draft documents.
Ability to work in a demanding and fast paced environment.
Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Legal Secretary or Legal Assistant certification from an accredited program or an Associate degree.

Responsibilities

Answer phone calls; open and distribute mail; prepare and fulfill document and copy requests; schedule meetings, appointments, and court dates; reserve conference rooms and make travel arrangements; and ensure all relevant parties are apprised of pertinent dates and deadlines.
Draft shells for legal documents including motions, contracts, discovery, complaints, and subpoenas; prepare accurate finished legal documents from notes or transcribe from lengthy legal recordings; proofread and edit legal materials; and compose other routine legal memos, letters, and correspondence.
Open new and maintain existing electronic files and records; and assist with the preparation and distribution of reports.
Process procurement card (P-card) and other expenditures; submit check requests; track payments; and enter applicable information into electronic check processing system.
Ensure the electronic docketing system is current; log, calendar, and monitor case information; and track essential dates, court appearances, filing deadlines, and appointments.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.