Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Principal Attorney (#20002247)

General Statement

Under the supervision of a division head, performs legal work of high complexity and may serve as a supervisor.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Prosecutes and defends complex cases in all levels of state and federal courts, and represents the District before various administrative bodies, which may include preparing pleadings, motions, briefs, issuing and responding to discovery, interviewing and deposing witnesses, reviewing and preparing evidence and witnesses, negotiating settlements, and trying cases.    
  • Serves as a team leader on cases, reviewing work, ensuring staff compliance with District policies and procedures including Personnel Rules and Administrative Procedures.   
  • Supervises other attorneys and staff engaged in the prosecution and defense of cases in the Head Assistant Attorney’s absence.    
  • Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of legal documents such as bonds, leases, permits, contracts, intergovernmental and settlement agreements, legislative measures, regulations, resolutions, ordinances and board transmittal letters; reviews such legal documents and environmental permits as to form and legality. 
  • Confers with and advises District officers and staff on various legal issues, interpreting statutes, ordinances, and procedures, and prepares legal opinions.    
  • Monitors legislation for current and potential impact on District activities, and reviews and revises ordinances, rules, and administrative procedures as necessary. 
  • Provides direction to paralegal and administrative staff including assigning and reviewing work.

Other Job Functions

  • May serve as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer for the District. 
  • May supervise and implement the District’s State of Illinois Legislative Program in the Illinois General Assembly, including directing outside legislative consultants on the District’s behalf. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment requiring the use of standard office equipment and technology.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Thorough knowledge of the Illinois and Federal Codes of Civil Procedure.   
  • Thorough knowledge of the Illinois and Federal Rules of Evidence.   
  • Thorough knowledge of the procedures before administrative agencies and state and federal courts.    
  • Thorough knowledge of the laws, ordinances, rules and precedents governing District activities.    
  • Negotiation skills.    
  • Ability to prosecute and defend cases in state and federal court and before various administrative bodies.    
  • Ability to plan and supervise the work of a division.    
  • Ability to draft clear and persuasive briefs and legal opinions.    
  • Ability to conduct legal research using Westlaw or other research platforms.    
  • Ability to provide sound advice and legal counsel.    
  • Ability to communicate persuasively and effectively both orally and in writing. 
  • Ability to create and edit documents in programs such as Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat.

Absolute Requirements

Admission to the Illinois Bar and the General Bar for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree and six years of experience in the general practice of law, three years of which must have been in legal fields related to District activities.

Promotional Requirement

  • Two years of service with the District as a Senior Attorney.
  • Civil service status as a Senior Attorney.
CLASS: 20002247; EST: 1/1/2013; REV: 2/1/2024;