Chief Attorney - Torts
Location: Chicago
Posted on: June 23, 2025
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Job Description:
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Acts as lead attorney for Authority in
handling own docket of personal injury cases through all phases of
litigation. Appears frequently in court for hearings, arbitrations,
and trials. Performs all phases of discovery including written
discovery, takes and defends depositions, prepares and deposes
witnesses and expert witnesses, collects legal and medical
research, and drafts pleadings and motions for caseload that
consists primarily of significant personal injury matters (e.g.,
Law Division and federal court cases). Serves as “first chair” for
any personal injury lawsuit involving the CTA. Acts as mentor and
oversees activities of junior attorneys, paralegals, and other
legal support staff. Supervises junior attorneys acting in a
“second chair” capacity on large litigation. Chief attorneys fill
the leadership role in these assignments, serving as lead counsel
for the CTA. Provides mentoring and other skill-development
services for more junior attorneys and staff. Manages work of
paralegals and other support staff assigned to his/her projects.
Provides legal advice and consultation on personal injury matters
throughout the Authority to clients and staff. Performs related
duties as assigned. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting to this
position may include the following jobs: Junior Attorneys Paralegal
Administrative Assistant/Secretary CHALLENGES Must be able to work
in partnership with client departments to achieve CTA goals. Must
be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and handle
stressful situations. Must maintain good working relationships with
client departments to achieve Authority goals and objectives.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from
an accredited school of law and license to practice law in the
State of Illinois and Federal courts, plus seven (7) years of
experience as a practicing attorney, of which three (3) years of
Tort experience and/or experience in state and federal court, or an
equivalent combination of education and experience. Required to
maintain appropriate continuing legal education credits. Experience
with public sector procurement laws preferred 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 negotiation strategies. Working knowledge of
the methods and practices of legal research and investigation,
judicial procedure, and the rules of evidence. Working knowledge of
Microsoft Suite including word processing functions. Strong verbal
and written communication skills. Strong analytical skills
necessary for competent legal interpretation. Strong managerial and
administrative skills to direct and coordinate the activities of
the case/transaction team. Strong interpersonal skills necessary to
effectively interrelate with other Law Department staff and various
levels of personnel from other Authority departments. Ability to
work with integrity, initiative, and the creativity to provide
effective solutions to CTA issues. Ability to provide legal advice
in a short response time, work on many tasks simultaneously, and
play increasing managerial role. Ability to independently handle
all matters that arise in practice area. Ability to practice skills
and experience to “first chair” almost every litigation matter
involving the Authority. WORKING CONDITIONS General office
environment. Makes regular site visits to non-office locations
(e.g. court and accident sites). EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS
UTILIZED Standard office equipment. Personal computer and legal
related equipment and software. Trial visual aids equipment, office
productivity, on-line legal research, and litigation support
software. Employees and/or union members will be given priority
consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor
contracts. Final salary will be determined in part by the
qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower
than target. Applicants, if hired,must comply with CTA's residency
ordinance. CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER No employee or
applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of
race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin,
sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge,
disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or
local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification
exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for
our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will
make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of
otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its
employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an
accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact
arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application
or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with
you to determine if an accommodation can be provided. During the
hiring process, CTA’s Human Resources department will contact
candidates with next steps . Failure to respond to these
correspondences in a timely fashion may result in your application
being closed out for non-responsiveness. Please click link below to
review the benefits offered at the CTA.
https://www.transitchicago.com/hrbenefits/
Keywords: , Downers Grove , Chief Attorney - Torts, Legal , Chicago, Illinois
