Job Description
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. 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 Director Labor and Employment Law will provide accurate, concise, and practical strategic legal advice on labor and employment matters that may affect the agency's operations; manage and direct the in-house legal team and also retain and manage outside counsel; will provide and advise senior leadership, including the General Counsel and Executive Director/CEO with respect to investigations and issues that may lead to litigation.
The primary duties include:
- Provide leadership, direction, and counsel on various matters including employment and labor issues, disability, compensation, and equal employment opportunity (EEO); and ensure stakeholder compliance.
- Oversee the work of attorneys and paralegals; and serve as the subject matter expert and resource for local, state, and federal labor and employment laws and regulations.
- Partner with the Deputy General Counsel in the management of assigned staff including hiring, disciplinary actions, termination procedures, coaching, training, performance evaluation and monitoring, conflict resolution, and mentoring.
- Advise department leaders on employee issues, particularly Human Resources on best practices from a legal perspective; and participate in the development of employee communications, policies and procedures, performance management, and pay transparency.
- Manage projects from start to finish; oversee the completion of work performed by retained outside counsel; and review content of complex legal documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
- Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives.
- Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures.
- Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures.
- Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.
Job Requirements
- A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and be an active member in good standing with the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA).
- In addition to #1, have eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience as a practicing attorney addressing labor and employment laws as well as workplace accommodations, compensation, discrimination, retaliation, employment and severance agreements, and leave management programs.
- Have three (3) years of team lead or supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, and monitoring performance; includes managing retained outside law firms.
- Have a minimum of three (3) years of experience supervising outside law firms.
- Must register with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois.
- Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal labor and employment laws, regulations, and guidelines, particularly those impacting public agencies.
- Considerable knowledge of contract, labor, and corporate governance.
- Considerable knowledge of legal research methods, techniques, and resources.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); and familiarity with other business-related, legal case management, or on-line legal research tools (e.g. Adobe and Westlaw).
- Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to influence others, establish and maintain collaborative relationships, negotiate, present arguments, and perform legal editing.
- Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills to develop and implement legal policies and procedures.
- Strong interviewing, investigation, and witness preparation skills.
- Strong research skills with attention to detail.
- Able to work independently or in a team and manage multiple projects.
- Ability to manage and lead multiple projects, teams, and tasks cost-effectively.
- Able to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Ability to conduct legal research, apply learned and practical knowledge, analyze various problems to determine risks.
- Ability to prepare detailed and accurate legal documents, take depositions, present witnesses, and retain experts.
- Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois and be in good standing with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
- Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
Preferred:
- Experience working in the railroad or transportation industry.
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 RAC@Metrarr.com.
