Entry Level Non Practicing Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL

SALARY

$123,994.39

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, performs a broad variety of legal duties in support of the Authority's General Counsel. Represents the Authority in employment litigation and labor arbitrations and provides advice on labor and employment matters to various departments within the Authority.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

           Plans, directs, and participates in legal matters as they relate to employment and labor issues and other matters on behalf of the Authority.

o          Handles own caseload of cases and other matters. 

o          Initiates, researches, and drafts pleadings, discovery requests and responses, briefs, and internal memoranda.

o          Makes frequent appearances before courts and administrative agencies.

o          Obtains and defends depositions and conducts other discovery.

o          Prepares witnesses for depositions, hearings, arbitrations and trials. Provides advice to management on labor/employment matters. 

o          Caseload shifting may occur from high-volume to fewer, more substantial cases (e.g., Law Division and Federal Court cases), which require more sophisticated strategies and legal analysis.

           Works with more senior attorneys in "second chair" capacity on large litigation, labor/employment, and other matters. Serves an integral role in these assignments, typically preparing and responding to discovery requests, examining witnesses, drafting and arguing motions, and researching issues. 

           Conducts research for the purpose of advising client departments.  May provide advice and counsel directly to client departments. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays current with new legal developments, trends, and innovations.

           Manages work of paralegals and other support staff assigned to his/her projects.  Verifies work for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques and compliance with legal standards and practices.

           Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position may include the following jobs:

Job Title

           Paralegal

           Administrative Support

CHALLENGES

           Keeping abreast of new trends and innovations in the legal field.

           Maintaining good working relationships and communicating effectively with client departments and staff on all levels to achieve Authority goals and objectives.

           Managing multiple tasks simultaneously and handling stressful situations.

           Providing legal advice efficiently and accurately on behalf of the Authority.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

           Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited school of law and licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois, plus three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney, of which one (1) year of experience was spent specializing in employment or labor laws, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

           Required to maintain appropriate continuing legal education credits.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

           Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.

           Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

           Detailed knowledge of applicable federal and state laws.

           Detailed knowledge of principles and methods in drafting legal documents.

           Detailed knowledge of the methods and practices of legal research and investigation, judicial procedure, and the rules of evidence.

           Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including work processing functions.

           Strong interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interrelate with Authority personnel of all levels and the public.

           Strong editing and drafting skills, and great attention to detail.

           Strong organizational skills.

           Strong leadership and teamwork skills.

           Strong verbal and in written communication skills.

           Strong analytical skills necessary for competent legal interpretation.

           Strong managerial and administrative skills to direct and coordinate the activities of the work team.

           Ability to coordinate multiple requests simultaneously while meeting multiple deadlines.

           Ability to provide effective solutions to CTA issues with integrity, initiative and creativity.

           Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and possess analytical skills necessary for competent legal interpretation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

           General office environment.

           Makes regular site visits to non-office locations (e.g., court and CTA field locations)

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

           Standard office equipment.

           Personal computer, telephone, trial visual aids equipment, on-line legal research, and litigation support software.