Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

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.

• Participates in negotiation of the terms and conditions of real estate transactions with land owners, government officials and attorneys following established policies and procedures.
• Documents and administers real estate occupancy transactions; collects rent; enforces terms and conditions of occupancy documents; and initiates and prosecutes corrective action regarding trespass cases.
• Processes land transactions including contacting involved departments for approval, maintaining communication with the public regarding transactions and preparing Board letters and documents.
• Prepares and files annual tax exempt status documents; processes tax payments for real estate holdings.
• Assists in drafting legal documents, including memoranda, pleadings, briefs, legal opinions, liens and real estate documents; records, tracks and responds to subpoenas received by the District.
• Performs legal research and cite checks, analyzes results and presents results in written memoranda.
• Assists attorneys in case management, including establishment and maintenance of electronic files and databases and document organization.
• Coordinates the response to Freedom of Information Act inquiries by referring to the appropriate department, compiling information, drafting responsive correspondence and monitoring requests to ensure timely response.
• Interfaces with Finance in handling wage garnishments, child support orders and bankruptcy matters.
• Assists attorneys as needed in all phases of trial and appellate preparation, including but not limited to discovery (including e-discovery) preparing abstracts and indexing depositions, delivering files in person or electronically to courts and other governmental bodies, serving documents on opposing counsel and preparing subpoenas.
• Provides direction and instruction to Legal Assistants and assigns and reviews the work of administrative support staff.

• May serve as Clerk of the Civil Service Board.
• Maintains and organizes the Law Library and electronic case files and databases.
• Appears in court for clerk’s status or calendar call as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Considerable knowledge of legal research methods, techniques and resources including computer hardware and software associated with such research.
• Knowledge of governmental real estate policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal court procedures.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, rules and precedents governing District activities.
• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

• One year of service with the District as a Legal Assistant.
• Civil service status as a Legal Assistant.