at Metra in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Date Posted:
7/1/2024
Posting End Date:
7/21/2024
Location:
00-No Union Code
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Country:
United States of America
Category:
Professionals
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Salary Mid Point:
$128,497.00
Salary Range:
$102,798.00
-
$154,196.00
Description
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 supported by the General Counsel, who reports to Metra's Board of Directors and CEO. The department provides legal counsel to the Board, Metra'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. Metra's Ethics Officer is a member of the department. The Law Department focuses on proactively identifying and addressing legal issues in support of Metra'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 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.
Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures.
Labor and Employment Related Responsibilities
Provide expert legal counsel on compliance with labor and employment law; manage internal and external disputes; and identify and proactively address labor and employment related risks.
Provide legal counsel on local, state, and federal labor and employment law issues, including employment and severance agreements, compensation and pay, discrimination and retaliation, and mandatory disability and leave laws.
Counsel Human Resources and other department leaders on agency rights, legal responsibilities, and best practices related to employee and labor matters including communications, agency policies, collective bargaining agreements, and performance management.
Monitor proposed legislation, public sector law and activities, and court decisions; evaluate their impact on agency operations; and recommend appropriate legal actions.
Ethics Related Responsibilities
This position may be considered for appointment to serve as Metra's Ethics Officer as contained in the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act.
These responsibilities include conducting factual and confidential investigations for internal matters; providing responses to outside agencies on external investigations and other matters; and providing guidance and interpretation on the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act.
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
1. A Juris Doctor degree (J.D.).
2. 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... For full info follow application link.
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.
