Job Description
Posted Until Filled
The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.
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 Manager, Paralegal, the Sr. Paralegal will provide administrative support and complex paralegal services to department attorneys; may be assigned tasks specific to litigation, corporate law, or risk management; maintain legal records, documents, and files; conduct research; collect information; compose routine legal correspondence; and respond to requests for information.
The Primary Duties include:
Assist attorneys in drafting and maintaining oral and written correspondence between Metra internal departments and external parties.
Travel within the service area for the purpose of retrieving and preserving documents necessary for discovery and trial.
Coordinate team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor.
Draft, abstract complex transcripts and briefings, and analyze legal documents; may draft discovery and investigate facts including, interrogatories and requests to produce, and date stamp, documents; assist with arbitration hearings; interview witnesses; and summarize depositions and medical records.
Prepare and file pleadings and affidavits; deliver materials to local courts; attend court and docket appearances; and handle court follow-ups.
Schedule all depositions, meetings, site inspections, court reporters, witnesses, doctors, experts, and all relevant parties; and apprise attorneys and all relevant parties of all meetings, depositions, and pertinent deadlines.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.
Job Requirements
1. An Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or a Paralegal Certificate from an ABA accredited institution.
2. In addition to #1, must have five (5) years of experience as a paralegal conducting research, preparing documents, scheduling meetings, maintaining files, and drafting responses to requests and appeals.
3. Considerable knowledge of:
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court procedures, filing requirements, pleading rules, and the subpoena process.
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legal terminology and practices.
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recordkeeping, case management, report preparation, and research techniques and methodologies.
4. Familiar with local, state, and federal regulations related to railroad transportation.
5. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); and litigation-related computer applications and databases.
6. Excellent:
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verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate legal subject matter in a professional manner with employees at all levels of the agency, external organizations, and the general public.
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organizational, administrative, analytical, and time management skills.
7. Ability to:
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interpret and apply specific laws and ordinances.
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perform legal research, draft legal documents, and summarize complex documents and transcripts.
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practice and foster an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation on varying tasks with shifting priorities.
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work independently in the absence of specific instructions on tasks of varying complexity within established deadlines.
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work under pressure and meet established deadlines.
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maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
8. Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
Preferred:
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A Paralegal Certificate from an ABA accredited institution
Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.
Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.
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.
Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].
