Closing Date: 31st July, 2024

Description:

A Transport Operator Company 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.

A Transport Operator Company's Law Department is supported by the General Counsel, who reports to A Transport Operator Company's Board of Directors and CEO. The department provides legal counsel to the Board, A Transport Operator Company'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. A Transport Operator Company's Ethics Officer is a member of the department. The Law Department focuses on proactively identifying and addressing legal issues in support of A Transport Operator Company'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 Associate General Counsel will provide expert legal services on a full range of corporate, litigation or real estate functions including railroad and real estate contracts, and labor and employment laws; and provide accurate, concise, and practical legal advice to the executive leadership team.

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.

The Primary Duties Include:

Oversee the work of junior attorneys and paralegals; serve as a subject matter expert and resource providing leadership, guidance, and assistance; and mentor department employees.
Manage and support the efforts of outside counsel retained to represent the agency and ensure the representation is effective and cost-efficient; prepare and oversee/review research legal questions to ensure they are legal sufficient and include appropriate references to municipal, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Represent the department and agency in various proceedings, both internal and external. Participate in long-term complex projects and litigated matters; complicated negotiations; and provide counsel, develop legal strategy, and risk assessments.

Real Estate Related Responsibilities

Provide expert legal services regarding complex railroad and real estate contracts; identify and proactively address real estate related risks.
Lead long-term legal projects; participate in complicated contracts and negotiations; and provide counsel, technical assistance in the development of negotiation strategies and risk assessments.
Oversee and provide legal guidance on litigation, property management, leases, purchases, and sales transactions; and prepare and review intra-railroad and intergovernmental agreements and other legal documents; and negotiate terms and conditions of real estate transactions.
Serve as the subject matter expert on real estate matters.
Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges, so candidate can consider their growth potential.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Requirements:

A Juris Doctor degree (J.D.).
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.
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.
A minimum of three (3) years of experience supervising outside law firms.
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.
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.
Working knowledge of computer-based legal research, techniques, and tools such as Westlaw or other legal research services.
Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
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.
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.
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.