Overview
Counsel, Law/Legal Jobs in Chicago, USA at Metra Commuter Rail
Metra connects communities across Northeastern Illinois by delivering safe, reliable, and efficient commuter rail service. Serving six counties and millions of riders each year, Metra plays a critical role in strengthening the region’s economic vitality, social wellbeing, and environmental health.
Salary RangeAbout The Law Department
Metra’s Law Department operates under the leadership of the General Counsel, who reports directly to Metra’s Board of Directors and CEO. The department provides legal counsel to the Board of Directors, senior leadership, and every department across the agency.
Law Department Organization
The Law Department is organized into three core teams:
Governance / Team Support, Corporate & Regulatory, and Litigation & Risk Management.
About
The Role
Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the Counsel position provides legal support to the Corporate & Regulatory team within the Law Department. This role handles a broad range of moderately complex legal matters and serves as a trusted advisor to senior attorneys and agency leadership. The Counsel position performs legal research and analysis, drafts and reviews legal documents, assists in resolving disputes, and may represent the agency in administrative proceedings and court.
This position is ideal for a motivated attorney seeking meaningful public sector legal work in a dynamic, mission‑driven environment. This position will split responsibilities between real estate work and general corporate work.
Position/Specific Responsibilities
- Draft and review contracts and legal documents, with a focus on real estate related agreements such as easements, licenses, leases, and crossing agreements.
- Advise internal clients on a broad range of commercial real estate transactions and related matters.
- Draft and assist with the negotiations of [AO1] [BT2] purchase and sale agreements.
- Manage individual litigation caseloads from inception through resolution either personally or by overseeing outside counsel.
- Manage discovery, including drafting and responding to written discovery and preparing for and conducting depositions.
- Draft and review legal documents related to litigation matters.
General Responsibilities
- Provide accurate, concise, and practical legal advice to internal clients.
- Support senior attorneys in advising executive leadership and resolving legal issues.
- Work collaboratively with agency teams on contracts, compliance initiatives, and legal documentation.
- Participate in settlement negotiations, long‑term projects, and strategic legal initiatives.
- Conduct legal research and analyze municipal, state, and federal laws and regulations, particularly those related to public transportation.
- Review agency processes, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Perform risk assessments and recommend appropriate legal courses of action.
Additional Responsibilities
Promote and maintain safe work practices.
- Handle sensitive information with strict confidentiality.
- Perform other duties as needed to support Metra’s mission and operational needs.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school.
- Minimum two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney.
- Active Illinois attorney license in good standing.
- Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and administrative procedures.
- Proficiency in legal research tools such as Westlaw.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Strong research, analytical, interviewing, investigation, and witness preparation skills.
- Ability to integrate facts, law, and theory into sound legal analysis.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Ability to manage multiple projects effectively and cost efficiently.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
- Willingness to travel within and outside Metra’s six county service area.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Additional Information
Title: Counsel, Law/Legal
Company: Metra Commuter Rail
Location: Chicago, USA
Category:
