SENIOR ATTORNEY-WORKER'S COMPENSATION

Cook County•Chicago, IL

13h

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Chief Attorney of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, the Senior Attorney will: (1) represent the District before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, in various courts and before administrative agencies; (2) review and evaluate pre-suit claims to recommend potential resolutions; and (3) assist in the implementation and/or review of internal risk management policies and procedures. This position provides expert legal advice and counsel to District Departments, including the Office of the General Superintendent. This position requires innovation, flexibility, strong time management, and the ability to think critically and respond to urgent situations.

Requirements

Must possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.
Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.
Must possess at least 5 years of full-time work experience as a practicing attorney.
Must possess at least 2 years of full-time work experience handling Workers’ Compensation claims through conclusion before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission as an attorney for either plaintiffs or respondents.

Nice To Haves

Possess 5 or more years of full-time work experience handling Workers’ Compensation claims through conclusion before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission as an attorney for either plaintiffs or respondents.
Possess some work experience representing governmental entities in civil litigation.
Possess 1 year or more of full-time work experience for a governmental entity as a practicing attorney.
Possess at least 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPCC); OR possess at least 1 season of work experience with FPCC partners such as the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago, Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Student Conservation Association, Cook County, the City of Chicago, or the Chicago Park District.

Responsibilities

Represents the District in matters pending before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, including drafting pleadings, deposing witnesses, parties, and experts. Responsible for negotiating and managing Workers Compensation settlements through completion. May be responsible for trial of Workers Compensation cases, as needed.
Represents the District in litigation in various courts and administrative agencies, including without limitation, personal injury, property damage, and citation prosecution. Responsible for drafting motions, preparing pleadings, issuing and answering written discovery, conducting depositions, and trials. Monitors the status and progress of matters assigned to outside counsel.
Attends, as needed, and represents the District at Board of Commissioners meetings and Committee meetings related to Workers’ Compensation and/or Litigation.
Assist in developing risk reduction strategies, including without limitation, legal analysis of claims and training staff on safety and claims best practices.
Advises senior-level District staff and delivers presentations relating to cases, transactions, and other legal issues affecting District operations.
Responsible for analyzing pre-suit claims for property damage and personal injury; provides recommendations concerning potential resolutions.
Provides support with the enforcement of District ordinances, policies, rules, and procedures.
Handles special assignments from the Chief Attorney. As applicable and based on departmental needs, may be cross trained and given assignments involving other areas of the law, including without limitation, contract drafting, ordinance drafting or revising, real estate acquisitions, workplace investigations, labor and employment related matters, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, 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.