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 led by the General Counsel who reports directly to the CEO and the Metra Board of Directors. The department provides legal guidance and support to the Board of Directors, the executive team and every department in the organization. The department is comprised of three areas: General Corporate/Ethics, Litigation and Risk Management and Real Estate and Grants. The department focuses on preventing legal issues at every feasible level and defending the agency's position if issues arise.

Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the Attorney 2 is a mid-level position that will provide legal services for corporate transactional or litigation functions within the Law department and accurate, concise, and practical legal advice to the executive team; may be assigned core duties involving compliance, contracts, employment, litigation, real estate, risk, or general corporate matters; resolve issues, problems, and disputes; conduct fact investigations; provide advice on case merits; and represent agency in-court.

The primary duties include, may serve as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/Open Meetings Act (OMA) Office; coordinate with the Attorney General or court systems as appropriate; and manage the overflow of administrative functions.

Participate in trial preparation, discovery, and depositions; draft motions, briefs, and legal memoranda; ensure legal responses are compliant with statutory guidelines; and represent the agency in court.

Draft, prepare, and review complex public sector contracts, including intellectual property, licensing agreements and negotiations; ensure all relevant facts and legal considerations are assembled, assessed and accurate before contracts are presented for execution.

Work collaboratively with agency teams responsible for products and services requiring contracts or other documentation; review processes for individual procurements to ensure compliance with established rules and regulations; and evaluate and advise on appropriate legal courses of action.

Participate in settlement negotiations and closings on real estate transactions.

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.

1. Must possess a Juris Doctorate degree.

2. In addition to #1, must have three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney with various phases of litigation, real estate, contract matters, or general municipal and/or special district law with experience in FOIA/OMA, ethics, and Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) matters.

3. Contract negotiation and grant compliance experience is a plus.

4. Must:

• be a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois.
• register with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois.
• possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be willing 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.

5. Working knowledge of:

• standard legal concepts and court room 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.
• computer-based legal research, techniques, and tools such as Westlaw or other legal research services.

6. Proficient in Microsoft 365 with emphasis in Word, Excel, and Outlook.

7. Excellent:

• verbal and written communications and organization skills.
• interviewing, investigation, and witness preparation skills.

8. Considerable:

• research skills with extraordinary attention to detail.
• analytical skills including an understanding of how to integrate facts, law, and theory.

9. Able to:

• work independently or in a team and manage multiple projects.
• lead project teams and manage multiple tasks in a cost-effective manner.
• work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• conduct legal research, apply learned and practical knowledge, analyze various problems to determine risks.
• prepare detailed and accurate legal documents.
• lift and move up to 20 pounds.

10. FOIA certification or be able to attain within 6 - 12 months of date of hire.

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.