SENIOR LABOR COUNSEL (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Cook County•Chicago, IL

11h•$130,680 - $156,530•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cook County Department of Labor Relations is seeking an experienced Senior Labor Counsel to serve as the primary legal advisor to the Bureau of Human Resources. The position provides counsel on labor and employment matters, including employee relations, disciplinary actions, workplace policies, organizational structure, and workforce management. It advises department leadership on complex and sensitive personnel issues, supports legal compliance and consistency in grievance and disciplinary proceedings, and collaborates with outside counsel, elected officials, and agency leadership on arbitrations, labor disputes, and operational matters. The role also reviews employment-related decisions and provides strategic legal guidance to senior human resources executives on confidential issues. The position acts as legal advisor and counsel to the County in matters within the authority of the Bureau of Human Resources. It counsels departments and offices, interprets collective bargaining agreements and applicable policies and laws, assists with policy initiatives, and represents Cook County before various forums. The job is located in downtown Chicago's Loop District. This is a Shakman-exempt, at-will position; employees who do not already live in Cook County must establish residency within six months of hire.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school.
At least four years of labor relations, human resources, litigation, or directly related experience.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.
Strong command of rules of evidence, civil procedure, and trial advocacy, with the ability to litigate complex labor and employment issues with minimal direction.
Ability to work directly and independently with elected officials, department heads, outside counsel, and labor groups to develop strategies on discipline, contract interpretation, salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, rules, and regulations, including those of the Illinois Labor Relations Board, and ability to represent Cook County before various forums.
Proficiency in analyzing labor agreements and interpreting their terms, conditions, and intent.
Ability to communicate diplomatically and confidentially with arbitrators, attorneys, elected officials, department heads, management, employees, and union officials.
Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy and act professionally; strong communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to clearly explain County policies and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of Illinois law regarding local and municipal government, particularly Cook County government and the Cook County Health and Hospital System.
Ability, at the direction of the Deputy Bureau Chief, to serve as a liaison between the Offices Under the President and other Cook County offices and agencies.
If not already a Cook County resident, establish actual residency in Cook County within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Six years of labor relations, human resources, or litigation experience.

Responsibilities

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 serve as its Representative.
Counsel Cook County departments and offices on labor relations and employment matters, including discipline, layoffs, terminations, transfers, and issues involving management, employees, and unions.
Advise on employment-related laws and matters, including policy implementation and initiatives under collective bargaining agreements, grievances, arbitrations, FMLA, ACA, and EEO laws.
Interpret collective bargaining agreements, County policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
Collaborate with outside counsel and retained experts on employment-related issues.
Assist in evaluating, forming, and implementing policy directives affecting County employees, including benefits, Workers' Compensation, disability, return-to-work matters, work rules, and personnel rules.
Represent Cook County before various forums.
Advise department heads and supervisors on labor-related matters, including discipline, work rules, and department organization.
Consult with the Bureau Chief of Human Resources, Deputy Bureau Chief, and Deputy Director on highly confidential matters.
Perform other duties as assigned.