Associate Attorney - Torts

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, functions as junior level attorney responsible for litigating personal injury cases brought against the authority. Works with senior attorneys on complex personal injury, subrogation and property damage defense cases.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Handles own docket of personal injury cases.

• Interviews witnesses and takes depositions.

• Prepares witnesses for court testimony, advises them on legal processes, and apprises them of evidence needed to present a substantial case.

• Conducts legal research and drafts case documents, pleadings, and motions.

• Reviews and responds to discovery requests.

• Reviews cases for pre-trial negotiation, attends pre-trial disposition conferences, and advises on settlement.

• Represents the Authority during jury and bench trials, hearings and arbitrations.

• Works with senior attorneys in a "second chair" capacity on large personal injury litigation cases including: examining witnesses, arguing motions, and drafting memoranda, briefs, and settlement agreements.

• Provides advice and counsel directly to clients.

• Manages work of paralegals and other support staff assigned to projects.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

• Paralegals
• Administrative Staff

CHALLENGES

• Working in partnership with client departments and employees to achieve CTA goals.
• Working on many tasks simultaneously.

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 one (1) year of legal experience, preferably specializing in personal injury, subrogation, or property damage, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires physical handling of legal documents and equipment
• Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of applicable federal and state laws.
• Working knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interrelate with clients, Authority personnel, and witnesses.
• Good research, organization and analytical skills to gather and synthesize large volumes of information into a logical convincing case.
• Good verbal and written communication skills to explain important facts clearly, logically, and concisely.
• Good negotiation skills.
• Good interviewing skills.
• Basic skill using Microsoft software.
• Ability to work on multiple projects in stressful situations.
• Ability to provide timely legal advice.
• Ability to work independently and advise and consult with management as needed.
• Ability to lead others and work in a team environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• General office environment.
• Works various days and hours.
• Travels regularly to court, depositions, and field locations as necessary..

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

• Standard office equipment.
• On-line legal research and litigation support software.