Sr Counsel

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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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 Sr Counsel is a senior level position that will provide expert legal services for corporate transactional or corporate litigation functions within the Law department; may be assigned core duties that involve contract review and negotiation, employment matters, corporate litigation, governance, procurement, real estate, or general corporate matters; and will be expected to provide accurate, concise, and practical legal advice to the executive team.

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: Provide advice on rights and legal responsibilities associated with various practice areas within the agency, including but not limited to corporate governance, real estate, procurement, finance and budget, ethics, investigations, and interpretation of state and federal legislation (e.g., the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Open Meetings Act (OMA), and State Officials and Employees Ethics Act.) Draft, prepare, negotiate, and review contracts; ensure all relevant facts and legal considerations are addressed; and review procurements to ensure compliance with established rules and regulations. Conduct research on questions of law; analyze municipal, state, and federal laws and regulations, related to public transportation to ensure compliance; and prepare detailed conclusions. Serve as the subject matter expert for the assigned practice area; provide guidance, assistance, and mentoring to Law Department employees; coordinate and utilize resources and services provided by paralegals and legal secretaries; and prepare advisory memoranda and opinions. Conduct factual and confidential investigations regarding agency business; and, provide responses to outside agencies on external investigations and other matters. 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. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Corporate Law
Work collaboratively with teams responsible for the agency's services that require legal guidance on various issues; and evaluate and advise on appropriate legal courses of action.
Provide legal review and guidance on intra-railroad and intergovernmental agreements. Participate in long-term complex projects and contracts; complicated negotiations; and provide counsel, develop legal strategy, and risk assessments. Provide counsel on employment issues.

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

1. A Juris Doctor degree (J.D.).
2. In addition to #1, must have five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney performing corporate transactional or litigation functions, preferably in public transportation or the railroad industry, with one or more of the following: contracts, procurement, general municipal and/or special district law, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/Open Meetings Act, ethics, State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, Disadvantage Business Enterprise matters, litigation, or real estate.
3. Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois.
4. Must register with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of standard legal concepts.
6. Comprehensive knowledge of the State of Illinois practice laws, as well as municipal, state, and federal laws and regulations related to public transportation and administration.
7. Comprehensive knowledge of procurement, real estate, and land use concepts.
8. Comprehensive knowledge of methods and techniques of legal research including computer-based legal research tools such as Westlaw or other legal research services.
9. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
10. Excellent written and oral communications, interpersonal, and organization skills to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with agency personnel and other attorneys, as well as local officials and the public.
11. Excellent interviewing and investigation skills.
12. Excellent research skills with extraordinary attention to detail.
13. Excellent analytical skills including an understanding of how to integrate facts, law, and theory.
14. Able to work independently or in a team.
15. Ability to lead project teams and manage multiple projects in a cost-effective manner.
16. Able to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
17. Ability to conduct legal research and apply learned and practical knowledge.
18. Ability to analyze complex legal problems and apply legal principles and practices to determine risk.
19. Ability to negotiate and draft contracts and agreements, prepare detailed and accurate legal documents, take depositions, present witnesses, and retain experts.
20. Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois.
21. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
22. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
23. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
24. Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
25. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
26. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
27. 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.

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 preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

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.

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.