Associate General Counsel - Real Estate

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 an experienced and motivated attorney with a minimum of 7 years of experience, including 3 years of supervisory experience. Additionally, 3 years of managing outside counsel is preferred. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in various real estate disciplines and a willingness to adapt that knowledge to the unique complexities of railroad-related transactions. This position reports to the Deputy General Counsel and offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a major public transportation agency.

The Metra Law Department, under the leadership of the General Counsel, supports Metra's Board of Directors, senior leadership, and all agency departments. 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.

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This position will require specialized experience, to be identified in the position posting, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the assigned area.

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

Key responsibilities may include:

• Serve as a subject matter expert on real estate matters, providing comprehensive legal services and counsel.
• Draft, negotiate, and review complex railroad and real estate contracts.
• Identify and mitigate real estate-related risks, offering proactive legal guidance.
• Participate in complex negotiations and provide strategic advice on contract terms and risk assessments.
• Oversee and provide legal support for property management, leases, sales, and purchase transactions.
• Prepare and review intergovernmental and intra-railroad agreements, as well as other legal documents.
• Provide counsel and technical assistance in developing negotiation strategies and managing real estate litigation.
• Other duties as assigned.

1. A Juris Doctor degree (J.D.).

2. In addition to #1, seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience as a practicing attorney preferably in public transportation or the railroad industry in one or more of the following: railroad and real estate projects and contracts, labor and employment law, employment and severance agreements, employee benefits and disability programs, and discrimination and retaliation.

3. A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or team lead experience that may include day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary or termination actions.

4. A minimum of three (3) years of experience supervising outside law firms. preferred.

5. Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois.

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

7. Comprehensive knowledge of:

• The legal system and the principles and practices of applicable areas of law including labor, employment, and real estate.
• Legal research methods, techniques, and resources.
• Real estate and land use concepts and contract law and administration.

8. Working knowledge of computer-based legal research, techniques, and tools such as Westlaw or other legal research services.

9. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

10. Excellent:

• Written and oral communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective relationships all employee levels within the agency, other attorneys external to the agency, as well as local officials and the public.
• Interviewing and investigation skills.
• Research skills with extraordinary attention to detail.
• Organization and analytical skills to integrate facts, law, and theory.

11. Ability to:

• Work independently or in a team.
• Lead project teams and manage multiple projects in a efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Conduct legal research and apply learned and practical knowledge.
• Analyze complex legal problems and apply legal principles and practices to determine risk.
• Negotiate and draft contracts and agreements, prepare detailed and accurate legal documents, take depositions, present witnesses, and retain experts.

12. Must be:

• Able to operate a vehicle and be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
• 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.