Senior Legal Counsel

Job Description

Job Description

Acts as legal advisor and counsel to the County in all maters within the authority of the Bureau of Human Resources. Provides guidance and counsel to department heads and supervisors on labor related maters including discipline, work rules, and department organization. Works with outside counsel, elected officials, and department heads in maters associated with arbitrations and department work. Reviews hearing officers’ decisions in third-step employee grievance and disciplinary maters. Consults with the Bureau Chief of Human Resources, Deputy Bureau Chief and Deputy Director in maters of highest confidentiality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES : Research pending legal issues and analyzes case law and facts. Reviews hearing officers’ decisions in third-step employee grievance and disciplinary maters. Oversees maters related to the Employee Appeals Board and acts as Representative of the Employee Appeals Board. Counsels various Cook County departments and offices in labor relations and employment maters such as discipline, layoffs, terminators, transfers, and numerous other maters that may arise between Cook County management and employees / unions. Provides advice and counsel on employment related laws and maters such as the implementation of policy and initiatives within the parameters of the CBA, grievances, arbitrations, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Affordable Care 4 Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity laws. Interprets collective bargaining agreements, County policies, and applicable laws and regulations. Works with outside counsel and retained experts on a variety of employment related issues. Assists in the evaluation, formation and implementation of policy directives affecting employees of Cook County including but not limited to benefits, Workers Compensation, disability, return to work maters, work rules and personnel rules. Represents Cook County before various forums.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES : Strong command of the rules of evidence, civil procedure, and trial advocacy, and the ability to effectively ligate complex labor and employment issues with minimal direction. Skill in working directly and independently with elected officials, department heads, outside counsel, and labor groups to develop strategy pertaining to a wide range of maters, including discipline, contract interpretation, salaries, benefits and working conditions. Knowledge of all applicable federal, state, county and local laws, rules and regulations including those of the Illinois Labor Relations Board and the ability to represent Cook County before various forums. Skill in analyzing labor agreements and appropriately interpreting the terms, conditions and intent represented therein. Skill in the use of diplomacy and confidentiality while communicating with arbitrators, attorneys, elected officials, department heads, management, employees, and union officials. Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy and conduct oneself in a professional manner. Good communication skills; good negotiation skills; ability to convey information and explain or describe County policy and procedure to others. At the direction of the Deputy Bureau Chief, acts a liaison between the Offices Under the President and other Cook County offices and agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : Graduation from an accredited School of Law with a Juris Doctorate. Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. Five (5) years’ of work experience in labor relations, human resources, litigation, or other related field. Knowledge of the law pertaining to local and municipal government in Illinois, particularly with respect to Cook County government and the Cook County Health and Hospital System. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : Sedentary Work Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves siting most of the time.

Company Description

Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.

HOW TO APPLY : Please submit a Resume and Cover letter to Shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov

Company Description

Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.\r\n\r\nHOW TO APPLY : Please submit a Resume and Cover letter to Shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov