Deputy Chief Attorney

The Forest Preserves of Cook County Is seeking applicants for Deputy Chief Attorney

The Forest Preserves of Cook County is seeking a detail-oriented Deputy Chief Attorney to work with the Chief Attorney in managing and overseeing all areas of litigation and other legal matters.

The department includes 12 FTE personnel, including 6 full-time attorneys. The selected Deputy will have prior experience working for a government entity, broad legal work experience, ability to develop and implement strategic priorities, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to equity.

Find out more about the daily tasks, overall responsibilities, and required experience for this opportunity by scrolling down now.

About the Forest Preserves of Cook County

Cook County is the second most populous county in the United States and includes the City of Chicago. Within this diverse urban metropolis, the Forest Preserves of Cook County protects 70,000 acres of forests, prairies, wetlands, woodlands and other natural areas including rare habitats that offer plant and animal diversity on par with the rainforests of the world.

Thanks to dedicated restoration and conservation efforts, native plants and wildlife including North American river otters, blue spotted salamanders, native orchids, and birds such as bald eagles and bobolinks continue to return to or flourish in the preserves.

About the Forest Preserves Legal Department

The Legal Department represents the Forest Preserves of Cook County in lawsuits filed against, or by, the Forest Preserves, including lawsuits involving personal injuries to Forest Preserves visitors, disputes with adjoining landowners, employment matters and contract disputes.

The Legal Department also is responsible for drafting and enforcing ordinances. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

• Providing legal advice and legislative support to the President, members of the Board of Commissioners, the General Superintendent, and staff of the Forest Preserves.
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating license agreements, intergovernmental agreements, and various other contracts.
• Negotiating and closing real estate transactions.
• Responding to Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Facilitating the employee disciplinary process in conjunction with the Human Resources Department.
• Handling employee complaints and litigation matters involving administrative bodies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Labor Relations Board, and the Cook County Commission on Human Rights.

MISSION

To provide quality, timely, effective, and efficient legal services to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary : Up to $135,622. The Forest Preserves of Cook County offers a competitive benefit program.

Application Process and Recruitment Schedule

A full job description is presented on pages 3 and 4. To be considered, please submit your cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three professional references (who will not be contacted in the early stages of the recruitment) by 5 p.

m. on September 6, 2024 to [email protected] .

Resumes will be screened based on the criteria outlined in this brochure. Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to interview.

The selected candidate will be subjected to an extensive reference and background check.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.

DEPUTY CHIEF ATTORNEY

Job Summary

Assists the Chief Attorney in all areas of litigation and other legal matters to which the Forest Preserve District (FPD) or the Board of Commissioners shall be a party.

Acts as a liaison between all departments and the Chief Attorney on legal inquiries. Attends when directed all meetings of the Board and its committees.

Assists with the drafting of all instruments required by the Board and the General Superintendent. Provides written opinions on all questions referred by the Chief Attorney.

Provides confidential counsel to District executive and administrative staff. Supervises legal and support staff.

Typical Duties

• Provides legal expertise for the FPD of Cook County in all areas of litigation.
• Provides the Commissioners, President, and department heads assistance in dealing with matters of a legal nature.
• Acts as a liaison between the legal department and other District departments regarding legal matters.
• Draws up, reviews and negotiates acceptable contracts to enable the District to acquire services needed.
• Oversees real estate closings and condemnations, when the District is acquiring real estate for FPD purposes. May also monitor outside counsels’ work in condemnations and real estate matters.
• In the absence of the Chief Attorney, attends Board and staff meetings, and meetings with the President to offer legal advice when needed.
• Provides written opinions on all questions referred by the Chief Attorney.
• Answers complaints against the District as well as other court pleadings.
• Appears in court to defend the District.
• Supervises staff in the absence of the Chief Attorney.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited school of law, with a Juris Doctorate and admission to practice law in the State of Illinois.

Eight (8) or more years full-time work experience in areas related to the above.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the theory and principles in the practice of law in Illinois.
• Knowledge of state, federal, local and county laws and ordinances as it relates to the area of assignment.
• Knowledge of the practices and policies of the legislative branch.
• Knowledge in the operations of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.
• Ability to clearly, logically and effectively express verbal and written thoughts and opinions, and possess a thorough and accurate knowledge of complex concepts and vernacular.
• Ability to assume responsibility for all cases and situations under designated area of assignment.
• Ability to provide direction, guidance and assistance in the interpretation of law and formulation of administrative policies.
• Possession of excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate to both clients, attorneys, judges and / or juries complex legal issues.
• Ability to supervise, plan, assign, coordinate and direct the work assignments of support staff.
• Ability to assess internal and external environment with sensitivity to highly controversial issues of political / bureaucratic nature.

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.

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