Counsel

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.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 years 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.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.Minimum Requirements : 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.Experience in FOIA / OMA, ethics, and Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) matters.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 courtroom 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 communication, interpersonal, and organization 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.Prepare detailed and accurate legal documents.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 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr