Paralegal

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.

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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 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 Paralegal will provide administrative support and moderately 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. This position will require specialized, technical, or functional expertise within one or more of the assigned areas.

The primary duties include: Respond to questions on various topics; fulfill internal and external requests for information, including drafting responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and appeals. Organize, maintain, and update paper and computerized records and files; coordinate the collection and flow of information, documents, and public records; act as liaison with other departments to facilitate information exchange; and ensure their security and confidentiality. Draft, abstract, and analyze legal documents; may draft discovery and investigate facts including, interrogatories and requests to produce and date stamp documents; interview witnesses; and summarize depositions and medical records. Research case information; search public records and other legal sources for procedural, administrative, and case law; retrieve and verify sources and citations from statutes, recorded judicial decisions, and legal articles. Prepare and file pleadings and affidavits; deliver materials to local courts; attend court and docket appearances; handle court follow-ups; and travel within the service area for the purpose of retrieving and preserving documents necessary for discovery and trial. 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.