Agnello & Rogers
SENIOR LABOR COUNSEL (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) SHAKMAN EXEMPT
Agnello & Rogers, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
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. The 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. WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?
We provide employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, along with some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including: 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; 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
$128,070 – $156,530 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, 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 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, 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. Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines, taxis, public parking garages, bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes. 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
Research pending legal issues and analyze case law and facts. Review hearing officers' decisions in third-step employee grievance and disciplinary matters. Oversee matters related to the Employee Appeals Board and act as Representative of the Employee Appeals Board. Counsel 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. Provide 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. Interpret collective bargaining agreements, County policies, and applicable laws and regulations. Work with outside counsel and retained experts on a variety of employment‑related issues. Assist 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. Represent 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, act as 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
Sedimentary work involving 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. EMPLOYMENT TERMS
Residency requirement: 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. For inquiries about this position, contact shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov.
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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. The 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. WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?
We provide employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, along with some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including: 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; 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
$128,070 – $156,530 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, 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 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, 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. Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines, taxis, public parking garages, bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes. 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
Research pending legal issues and analyze case law and facts. Review hearing officers' decisions in third-step employee grievance and disciplinary matters. Oversee matters related to the Employee Appeals Board and act as Representative of the Employee Appeals Board. Counsel 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. Provide 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. Interpret collective bargaining agreements, County policies, and applicable laws and regulations. Work with outside counsel and retained experts on a variety of employment‑related issues. Assist 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. Represent 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, act as 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
Sedimentary work involving 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. EMPLOYMENT TERMS
Residency requirement: 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. For inquiries about this position, contact shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov.
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