Counsel

Join Metra and become part of a mission-driven team committed to delivering commuter rail service that enhances our region's connectivity and quality of life. Metra is seeking a talented Attorney with a minimum of 2 year of experience to join our dynamic in-house legal team. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, this role offers an exciting opportunity to provide legal counsel to Metra, its Board of Directors, and senior staff. This is a fantastic opportunity for attorneys interested in working across a broad range of corporate, regulatory, and legal matters in a large, impactful organization.

Metra's Law Department is under the leadership of the General Counsel, who reports to Metra's Board of Directors and CEO, and provides legal counsel to the Board, senior leadership, and every department in the agency. The department is structured into three teams: Governance and Team Support, Corporate and Regulatory, and Litigation and Risk Management. The department's proactive approach helps ensure legal and regulatory compliance in support of Metra's mission.

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.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Click here to learn more about our benefits!

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

This position will provide legal services for corporate and regulatory functions withing the Law Department.

Responsibilities may include:

• Negotiate and interpret contracts, including intergovernmental and intra-railroad agreements.
• Offer guidance on employment-related matters, including policy development, dispute resolution, and compliance.
• Draft, review, and update policies.
• Commercial and employment litigation.
• Advise on procurement processes and general corporate matters.
• Develop legal strategy and assess risk for long-term complex projects.
• Provide accurate, concise, and practical legal advice.
• Other duties as assigned.

Must possess a Juris Doctorate degree.

In addition to #1, must have two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney with various phases of litigation, real estate, contract matters, or general municipal and/or special district law with experience in FOIA/OMA, ethics, and Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) matters.

Contract negotiation and grant compliance experience is a plus.

Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois.

Must register with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois.

Working knowledge of:

• standard legal concepts and court room procedures.
• the State of Illinois practice laws, as well as municipal, state, and federal rules and regulations preferably related to public transportation and administration.
• procurement, real estate, and land use concepts, laws, and regulations.
• 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.
• interviewing, investigation, and witness preparation skills.
• research skills with extraordinary attention to detail.
• analytical skills including an understanding of how to integrate facts, law, and theory.

Able to:

• work independently or in a team.
• lead project teams and manage multiple projects in a cost-effective manner.
• work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• conduct legal research, apply learned and practical knowledge, analyze various problems to determine risks.
• prepare detailed and accurate legal documents.
• to lift and move up to 10 pounds.

FOIA certification or be able to attain within 6 - 12 months of date of hire.

Must:

• possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
• 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.

Please note: 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 pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.