JPD- Legal Advocate / General Counsel

CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

JUVENILE PROBATION AND COURT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title : Legal Advocate / General Counsel

Location : 1100 S. Hamilton, Chicago, Il 60612

Grade : 23

Salary : $152,194

Exempt : Non-Union

Position Summary

The Legal Advocate / General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Probation Department, providing counsel on matters related to juvenile and adult probation operations, policies, contracts, compliance, and litigation risk. This position ensures that departmental practices align with statutory requirements, case law, collective bargaining agreements, and county / state policies. The role supports leadership in making legally sound decisions, assists with contract development and review, and represents the Department in administrative or quasi-judicial proceedings.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise the Director, senior management, and staff on legal issues affecting probation operations, including due process, confidentiality, employment law, liability, and intergovernmental agreements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, memoranda of understanding, and interagency agreements to safeguard departmental interests.
• Provide legal review of policies, procedures, and administrative rules to ensure compliance with state and federal law.
• Monitor legislative and case law developments impacting probation and recommend policy or procedural adjustments.
• Represent or coordinate representation for the Department in administrative hearings, grievance arbitrations, and civil proceedings involving probation practices or personnel.
• Assist in risk management by identifying potential areas of legal exposure and recommending preventive measures.
• Train staff and managers on relevant legal issues, including confidentiality, records handling, due process rights, and ethical obligations.
• Serve as liaison to the Director of Juvenile Probation to provide legal advice on matters involving litigation or major policy initiatives.

Job Requirements

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.

Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page.

THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

September 10, 2025

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