Deputy General Counsel

Job Description

Lead the Litigation & Risk Management legal team for one of the nation’s largest and most complex commuter rail systems!

Metra connects communities across Northeastern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin by delivering safe, reliable, and efficient regional rail service. Metra is committed to enhancing the economic vitality, social well-being, and environmental health of the communities we serve.

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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.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel is a senior strategic leader responsible for overseeing the Litigation & Risk Management team. This role provides high level legal counsel, ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and plays a central role in 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 Department operates under the leadership of the General Counsel, who reports directly to Metra’s Board of Directors and CEO. The department provides comprehensive 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 proactively identifies and 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 in Board and stakeholder meetings.

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

Legal Counsel & Representation

• Deliver accurate, 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 and maintain safe 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 as supervising counsel on high-profile, high-impact cases.

Job Requirements

• 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.

• Proficiency in 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 to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

• Strong drafting skills for complex legal documents.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within and beyond Metra’s six county service area.

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

• On call availability 24/7/365.

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 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 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 general assistance, please contact [email protected]. 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 the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at [email protected].

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.