Deputy General Counsel

Lead theLitigation&Risk Managementlegalteamfor one of the nation's largest and most complex commuter rail systems!

Metraconnects communities across Northeastern IllinoisandSoutheastern Wisconsinby delivering safe, reliable, and efficientregional railservice.Metra is committed to enhancingthe economic vitality, social well-being,and environmental health of the communities we serve.

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Qualified veterans who meet theminimumrequirements will receive outreach during the recruitment processin accordance withFederal 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.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the General Counsel, theDeputy General Counselis a senior strategic leader responsible for overseeingthe Litigation &Risk Management team. This role provides high level legal counsel, ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and playsa central rolein managing the department's people, operations, and strategic initiatives.

This position is ideal for a seasoned legal professional with exceptional judgment, leadership capability, and experience managing complex legal matters in a dynamic environment.

About the Law Department

Metra's Law Departmentoperatesunder the leadership of the General Counsel, who reports directly to Metra's Board of Directors and CEO. The departmentprovidescomprehensive legal guidance to the Board, senior leadership, and every department across the agency. Organized into three key teams, Governance/Team Support, Corporate & Regulatory, and Litigation & Risk Management, the department proactivelyidentifiesand addresses legal issues critical to Metra's mission.

The Ethics Officer also serves within this department.

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.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and oversight to attorneys, staff, and outside counsel.

• Align the team's work with organizational goals and guide the development of legal strategy.

• Collaborate with executive leadership and represent the General Counsel inBoard and stakeholder meetings.

• Manage departmental operations, including budgets, staffing, and resource planning.

Legal Counsel & Representation

• Deliveraccurate, actionable legal advice to senior staff and Board members.

• Prepare concise legal assessments on the impact of laws, regulations, and policies.

• Represent Metra in major proceedings, negotiations, and governmental engagements.

Operational & Staff Management

• Oversee performance evaluations, staffing decisions, and professional development.

• Manage employee schedules, approve time off, and ensure compliance with organizational policies.

• Lead or support processes for performance management, discipline, or termination.

• Promote andmaintainsafe work practices.

Additional Duties

• Provide training and guidance to internal and external legal teams.

• Develop and implement legal strategies, policies, and comprehensive compliance frameworks.

• Perform other duties as needed to support Metra's mission.

Team-Specific Responsibilities

Litigation & Risk Management

• Oversee agency claims and insurance programs, including third-party administrator relationships.

• Coordinate enterprise risk mitigation efforts and insurance strategy development.

• Analyze agency needs and secure coverage from domestic and international markets.

• Supervise litigation portfolios, including budget oversight and claims reserves.

• Serve assupervisingcounsel on high-profile, high-impact cases.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school and active Illinois licensure in good standing.

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience.

• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience, including: employee management, task assignment, coaching, evaluations, budgeting, hiring, discipline, and/or termination.

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulatory frameworks.

• Proficiencyin legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw) and Microsoft 365.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong analytical, problem solving, negotiating, interviewing, and investigative abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects under tight deadlines.

• Proven leadership experience supporting team development and cross functional collaboration.

• Ability tomaintainstrict confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

• Strong drafting skills for complex legal documents.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within and beyond Metra'ssix countyservice area.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Oncallavailability24/7/365.

Additional Information

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

Metra employees in an active review period under the currentdisciplinepolicy 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 preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For generalassistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application,participatein interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at RAC@metrarr.com.

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.