Counsel

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.

About 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.

The Law Department is organized into three core teams:

Governance / Team SupportCorporate & RegulatoryLitigation & 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.

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.

Job Requirements

1. Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school.
2. Minimum two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney.
3. Active Illinois attorney license in good standing.
4. Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and administrative procedures.
5. Proficiency in legal research tools such as Westlaw.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
7. Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
8. Strong research, analytical, interviewing, investigation, and witness preparation skills.
9. Ability to integrate facts, law, and theory into sound legal analysis.
10. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
11. Ability to manage multiple projects effectively and cost efficiently.
12. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
13. Willingness to travel within and outside Metra's six county service area.
14. Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

The Legal Department team proactively identifies and addresses legal issues in support of Metra's mission to deliver safe, reliable, efficient, and affordable commuter rail service throughout Northeast Illinois.

Additional Information

Click here to learn more about our benefits!

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the Railroad Retirement Tax Act (RRTA), not the Social Security Administration.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Candidates with 8 years or more of required experience may receive offers up to the midpoint of the salary range.

Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider long-term growth potential.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or with documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered.

Drug Free Workplace Notice:

Regardless of state laws legalizing marijuana, Metra prohibits the use, possession, or presence of marijuana or THC in any form for preemployment screening, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra vehicles or equipment.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

Metra is committed to ensuring its recruiting process is accessible to all individuals.
For general assistance, contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com.

For reasonable accommodation requests, contact the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at RAC@metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any other protected status, provided they can perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.