Associate Counsel

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated **Associate Counsel to join our dynamic legal team. This is a unique opportunity for a proactive attorney to support the RTA’s mission while contributing to the region’s transportation landscape.

The RTA oversees financing, secures funding, and conducts transit planning for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace. The RTA manages these three Service Boards’ five-year capital programs. Also, to help riders with disabilities and older adults across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, the agency issues Reduced Fare and Ride Free permits, assesses eligibility for ADA Paratransit service, and oversees specialized travel training. The RTA offers a competitive benefits package including a hybrid work environment.

Under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel, the associate counsel will provide legal advice to agency staff on mission-driven transit projects that benefit riders throughout the Chicagoland region.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel, conducts legal research regarding the operations and powers of the RTA. Ensures that the RTA’s operations comply with all applicable State and Federal requirements. Coordinates the RTA’s legal position with legal departments of the Service Boards.

2. Under the supervision of the Deputy General Counsel, drafts, modifies, and reviews legal documents involved in the operation of the RTA, with an emphasis on contracts, procurement materials, and grant agreements. Provide advice and analysis to RTA staff regarding such documents. Assures that documents accurately reflect RTA’s position.

3. Assists the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel in monitoring the RTA’s compliance with applicable civil rights laws and guidelines regarding Equal Employment Opportunity (non-discrimination and affirmative action in employment), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (promoting DBE participation in contracting), and Title VI (non-discrimination in use of federal funds).

4.Provides legal counsel to staff regarding the Freedom of Information Act, the Open Meetings Act, and the Local Records Act, among other statues and rules, and ensures proper compliance with the same.

5. In conjunction with the Deputy General Counsel and Human Resources, ensures that the RTA’s Equal Employment Opportunity policies, goals and objectives, as outlined in the RTA’s EEO program, are implemented. Communicates and partners with staff to set clear and measurable objectives. Monitors progress and evaluates results.

6. Acts in a manner which is consistent with the RTA’s strategic goals and objectives as approved by the Board of Directors, while providing service of the highest level to our customers – both internal and external.

7. Ensures the confidentiality of all information.

8. Performs other duties and assists in special projects as required or assigned to contribute to the effectiveness of the department and the RTA.

The candidate has graduated from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate degree and a license to practice law in the State of Illinois.

The ideal candidate must have the following:

• A minimum of 4 to 6 years of experience practicing law. (Experience in the public sector and knowledge of government procurement is preferred.)

• Must be highly skilled in conducting research, drafting legal memoranda and other legal documents, and can prepare and analyze legal documents; carry out assigned projects to their completion; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other business associates and the general public; and work independently.

• Must have inductive and deductive reasoning ability, conflict resolution, and facilitation and negotiation skills.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills are essential.

• Ability to maintain confidential information required.
  

The RTA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Relocation is not available.

For more information about the RTA, visit our website at https://www.rtachicago.org/.

Salary minimum to mid-point: $78,812.15 to $98,516.00

Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. RTA provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Full salary Range: $78,812.15 to $118,218.77

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An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

* * Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-RTA employment while employed at the RTA, or within one year immediately after ending RTA employment, the employee may be required to notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine. ** >