Sr Paralegal

Metra•Chicago, IL

16h•Onsite

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 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.

Requirements

Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, Paralegal Certificate, or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
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.

Nice To Haves

Paralegal Certification from an ABA Accredited Institution

Responsibilities

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.