Senior Attorney

Forest Preserve District of Cook CountyJob SummaryUnder the general direction of the Chief Attorney of the District, this position involves: (1) developing, assessing, and negotiating contracts, including government procurement, consulting, construction, land use, concessions, and intergovernmental agreements; (2) representing the District in various courts and before administrative agencies, and assisting in monitoring the status and progress of litigation assigned to outside counsel; and (3) assisting in the review, drafting, and proposing amendments to ordinances and internal policies. This position provides expert legal advice and counsel to District Departments and requires initiative, flexibility, time management, and the ability to respond to urgent situations.Typical DutiesPrepares, drafts, and negotiates contracts, including purchase agreements, intergovernmental agreements, licenses, consulting agreements, construction contracts, and concession agreements.Represents the District in litigation in various courts and before administrative agencies, including 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 for District board and committee meetings, and represents the District at these meetings as needed.Advises senior-level District staff and presents on cases, transactions, and legal issues affecting District operations.Provides expert legal guidance on the application of controlling statutes, regulations, case law, and procedures pertaining to FOIA.Supports enforcement of District ordinances, policies, rules, and procedures.Handles special assignments from the Chief Attorney and may be cross-trained in areas such as workers compensation, real estate acquisitions, and disciplinary hearings.Maintains and applies knowledge of federal, state, and local laws.Manages non-attorney staff in the Legal Department as assigned.Minimum QualificationsMust 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 QualificationsPossess at least 1 year of full-time work experience for a government entity as a practicing attorney; OR at least 1 year of work experience involving transactional contract negotiations for a government, non-profit, or corporate entity; OR at least 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County or partners such as the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago, etc.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other CharacteristicsKnowledge of the legal system as it relates to procedures, laws, contracts, and torts.Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and local law applicable to local government.Ability to work independently and as part of a management team in analyzing legal situations.Ability to work remotely without direct supervision.Ability to research and draft legal memoranda.Ability to negotiate and draft contracts and agreements.Skill in writing reports and other documents.Ability to represent the District in court and other forums.Ability to understand and grasp the details, policies, and procedures of the District.The duties listed are not exhaustive and may include other responsibilities as assigned.Benefits PackageMedical, Dental, and Vision CoverageBasic Term Life InsurancePension Plan and Deferred Compensation ProgramEmployee Assistance ProgramPaid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick TimeYou May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)For further information on our benefits package, please click on the following link:

Cook County RiskVeteran’s PreferencePreference 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 application, and attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22.General District Employment RequirementsPROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.MUST BE A RESIDENT OF COOK COUNTY OR ESTABLISH RESIDENCY IN COOK COUNTY WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT.MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED AT THE TIME OF HIRE OR SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION.The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment based on various protected characteristics. We value our employees and the diverse talents and viewpoints they bring to the table.

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