SENIOR LABOR COUNSEL (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Overview

The Cook County Department of Labor Relations is seeking a Senior Labor Counsel to serve as a legal advisor to the bureau chief or director. This role provides guidance on statutory authority, policy, and legal implications of departmental actions, and may also handle matters related to the Freedom of Information Act. The position collaborates closely with the President’s General Counsel and the State’s Attorney’s Office on litigation, document requests, administrative reviews, and legislative matters.

Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.

WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?



Benefits

In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:

• Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 7 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 10 vacation days annually; Up to 4 personal 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.
  
  

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 chief or director in all matters related to the statutory authority and execution of powers of that department, bureau, or departments within bureau; also functions as direct legal aid to the director or bureau chief as required. Aids in interpreting the legal ramifications of proposals, policy directives and other actions planned or undertaken by department, bureau, 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 President’s General Counsel and State’s Attorney’s Office as necessary to evaluate litigation, respond to document requests, prepare for matters related to administrative review and address opinions related to federal, state, or local legislation. Receives legal assignments from the bureau chief or director as well as the President’s General Counsel. Reports to the bureau chief or director and President’s General Counsel. Consults with the President’s General Counsel and the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney as required.

Key Responsibilities And Duties

• Researches pending legal issues and analyzes case law and facts.
• Reviews hearing officers’ decisions in third-step employee grievance and disciplinary matters.
• Oversees matters 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 matters such as discipline, layoffs, terminations, transfers, and numerous other matters that may arise between Cook County management and employees/unions.
• Provides advice and counsel on employment related laws and matters such as the implementation of policy and initiatives within the parameters of the CBA, grievances, arbitrations, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Affordable Care 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 matters, 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 litigate 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 matters, 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 degree
• Five (5) years’ of work experience in labor relations, human resources, litigation, or other related field.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.
• 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 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 Rules, 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.

Job Posting

Apr 3, 2025, 2:36:24 PM

Organization

Offices Under the President