Associate General Counsel - Real Estate

Company: Ocean State Job Lot
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 1, 2025

Job Description:

Metra is America's fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.Join Metra and become part of a mission-driven team committed to delivering commuter rail service that enhances our region's connectivity and quality of life. Metra is seeking an experienced and motivated attorney with a minimum of 7 years of experience, including 3 years of supervisory experience. Additionally, 3 years of managing outside counsel is preferred. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in various real estate disciplines and a willingness to adapt that knowledge to the unique complexities of railroad-related transactions. This position reports to the Deputy General Counsel and offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a major public transportation agency.The Metra Law Department, under the leadership of the General Counsel, supports Metra's Board of Directors, senior leadership, and all agency departments. The department is structured into three teams: Governance and Team Support, Corporate and Regulatory, and Litigation and Risk Management. The department's proactive approach helps ensure legal and regulatory compliance in support of Metra's mission.Key responsibilities may include:

• Serve as a subject matter expert on real estate matters, providing comprehensive legal services and counsel.
• Draft, negotiate, and review complex railroad and real estate contracts.
• Identify and mitigate real estate-related risks, offering proactive legal guidance.
• Participate in complex negotiations and provide strategic advice on contract terms and risk assessments.
• Oversee and provide legal support for property management, leases, sales, and purchase transactions.
• Prepare and review intergovernmental and intra-railroad agreements, as well as other legal documents.
• Provide counsel and technical assistance in developing negotiation strategies and managing real estate litigation.Minimum Requirements:
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience as a practicing attorney preferably in public transportation or the railroad industry in one or more of the following: railroad and real estate projects and contracts, labor and employment law, employment and severance agreements, employee benefits and disability programs, and discrimination and retaliation.
• A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or team lead experience that may include day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary or termination actions.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience supervising outside law firms.
• Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois.
• Must register with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the legal system and the principles and practices of applicable areas of law including labor, employment, and real estate.
• Working knowledge of computer-based legal research, techniques, and tools such as Westlaw or other legal research services.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).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.
  #J-18808-Ljbffr

Keywords: Ocean State Job Lot, Carol Stream , Associate General Counsel - Real Estate, Legal , Chicago, Illinois