Senior Attorney

Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Chief Attorney of the District: (1) develop, assess, and negotiate contracts, including, without limitation, government procurement, consulting, construction, land use, concessions, and intergovernmental agreements; (2) represent the District in various courts and before administrative agencies, as well as assist in monitoring the status and progress of litigation assigned to outside counsel; and (3) assist in the review, drafting, and, when necessary, proposal of amendments to ordinances and internal policies and procedures. This position provides expert legal advice and counsel to District Departments, including the Office of the General Superintendent. This position requires initiative, flexibility, time management, and the ability to think and respond to urgent situations.

Typical Duties

Prepares, drafts, and negotiates contracts, including, but not limited to, purchase agreements, intergovernmental agreements, licenses, consulting agreements, construction contracts, and concession agreements.

Represents the District in a variety of litigation in various courts and before administrative agencies, including without limitation, personal injury, property damage, and citation defense matters.

Monitors the status and progress of litigation assigned to outside counsel.

Drafts resolutions, ordinances, and other agenda items in preparation for District board and committee meetings. Attends, as needed, and represents the District at board and committee meetings.

Advises senior-level District staff and makes presentations relating to cases, transactions, and other legal issues affecting District operations.

Provides expert legal and technical guidance regarding the application of controlling statutes, regulations, case law, and procedures pertaining to FOIA.

Provides support and assistance with regard to enforcement of District ordinances, policies, rules, and procedures.

Handles special assignments from the Chief Attorney. May be cross trained in other areas of the law, including without limitation, workers compensation, real estate acquisitions, disciplinary hearings, and drug and alcohol testing procedures and administration.

Maintains and applies knowledge of federal, state, and local laws.

Manages non-attorney staff in the Legal Department as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.

Must possess at least 5 years of full-time work experience as a practicing attorney.

Must be licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

Possess at least 1 year of full-time work experience for a government entity as a practicing attorney; OR possess at least 1 year of work experience involving transactional contract negotiations for a government, non-profit, or corporate entity; OR possess at least 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC); OR possess at least 1 season of work experience as a Conservation Corps Crew member; OR possess at least 1 season of work experience with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago Friends of the Forest Preserves, Student Conservation Association, Cook County, the City of Chicago or the Chicago Park District.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Knowledge of the legal system, as it relates to procedures, laws, contracts, torts, etc.

Knowledge and understanding of federal, state and local law as applicable to units of local government.

Ability to work independently and as a part of a management team in the analysis of legal situations and problems as they arise. Ability to work remotely without direct supervision.

Ability to research and draft legal memoranda to address legal issues as they arise.

Ability to negotiate and draft contracts and agreements.

Skill in writing reports and various other documents.

Ability to appear in court and various other forums as the District's legal representative.

Ability to understand and grasp detail, policies, protocols, systems, procedures and technical vernacular of the District.

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.

Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Basic Term Life Insurance

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

Veteran's Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering Yes to the question "Are you a military veteran?"

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Veteran must provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.