Deputy General Counsel

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.

to learn more about our benefits!

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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…