Job Description

OVERVIEW

The Cook County Department of Human Rights and Ethics is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide expert legal guidance and support on departmental and County-wide matters. This role advises leadership on the legal implications of policies, proposals, and actions, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws. The Legal Counsel may serve as the Freedom of Information Officer and provide counsel on FOIA-related issues. The position also assists in litigation matters, prepares legal responses and documentation, and advises on administrative reviews and legislative issues impacting the department's operations.

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.

WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?

• Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 9 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 vacation days annually; and Paid sick leave)
• Pension Plan
• Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts - Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
• Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.

SALARY RANGE: $116,370 -$142,230/YEARLY

SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY

• Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
  • 2nd largest county in America
  • Larger than 27 states
• Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
  • Nearly 80% unionized workforce
  • 15 unions represented
  • 63 separate collective bargaining agreements
• Highway Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
• Land Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
• Safety Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.

LOCATION

Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.

ROLE SUMMARY

Acts as legal advisor and counsel to the bureau/department. Provides assistance in interpreting the legal ramifications of proposals, policy directives and other actions planned or undertaken by the bureau/department or County Board. May serve in the capacity of Freedom of Information Officer or advise on matters related to the Freedom of Information Act. Works with the bureau/departments and agencies as necessary in order to evaluate litigation, respond to document requests, prepare for matters related to administrative review and address opinions related to federal, state or local legislation.

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES

• Provides legal advice to the bureau/department pertaining to a variety of functions, duties, powers and responsibilities set forth and defined by the County ordinance, state or federal law.
• Helps create and define the appropriate stance to be taken by senior leadership. Conducts legal research and advises as necessary.
• Coordinate efforts with legislative or civil proceedings where necessary, including on legal issues regarding the interpretation and enforcement of County Ordinances and policies.
• Reads, analyzes and answers correspondence pertaining to a variety of legal questions of immediate concern to the department.
• Handles confidential projects as required.
• Assists senior leadership in drafting, revising, or interpreting ordinances, agreements, contracts, policies, procedures and other relevant documentation.

Required for all jobs: Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough and extensive knowledge of the law as it pertains to local and municipal government in Illinois, particularly with respect to Cook County government and the Chicago Metropolitan area including unincorporated areas.
• Skills in researching, interpreting and arguing law as it pertains to the responsibility and authority of the department; likewise, skilled in the legal analysis and interpretation of the rules, regulations, laws, ordinances and resolutions of the Cook County Board.
• Transactional legal experience.
• Ability to coordinate any of the above in connection with the State's Attorney and/or other designated counsel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate (JD).
• Three (3) years as an attorney dealing with matters of civil law, government, or corporate transactions or directly related experience.
• A license to practice law in the State of Illinois.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five (5) years experience as an attorney dealing with matters of civil law, government, or corporate transactions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order, and the Cook County Personnel this position is exempt from the County's career service rules, is at-will and political reasons or factors may be considered when taking any employment action. As an employee in a Shakman Exempt position, if you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency within Cook County.

Please contact shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position.

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