We have an outstanding career opportunity for a Senior Legal Counsel to join a leading Company located in the Chicago, IL surrounding area.
Acts as legal advisor and counsel to the bureau chief or director in all matters related to the statutory authority and execution of powers of that department, bureau, or departments within the bureau; also functions as direct legal aid to the director or bureau chief as required. Aids in interpreting the legal ramifications of proposals, policy directives, and other actions planned or undertaken by a department, bureau, or County Board. May serve in the capacity of Freedom of Information Officer or advise on matters related to the Freedom of Information Act. Works with the President's General Counsel and State's Attorney's Office as necessary to evaluate litigation, respond to document requests, prepare for matters related to administrative review, and address opinions related to federal, state, or local legislation. Receives legal assignments from the bureau chief or director as well as the President's General Counsel. Reports to the bureau chief or director and President's General Counsel. Consult with the President's General Counsel and the Office of the County State's Attorney as required. 
Responsibilities: Provides legal advice to the director or bureau chief in a variety of matters pertaining to the department's functions, duties, powers, and responsibilities set forth and defined by the County ordinance, state, or federal lawHelps formulate and define legitimate and appropriate positions to be taken by the directorConducts legal research and advises as necessaryActs in tandem, where necessary, with legal advisors in the State's Attorney's Office and the President's General Counsel to coordinate efforts with legislative or civil proceedings where necessary, including on legal issues regarding the interpretation and enforcement of County Ordinances and policiesReads, analyzes, and answers correspondence pertaining to a variety of legal questions of immediate concern to the departmentMay assist the other members of the staff in revising ordinances, legislative proposals, directives, correspondence, and/or policies for use in intergovernmental relations and public statements, etcConducts legal research as neededHandles special projects of specific purposes and confidential nature as requiredAssist in matters related to the Employee Appeals BoardAdvises director in the drafting of department procedural rules and policies pertaining to the interpretation and enforcement of department applicable ordinances, as well as general Department policy and procedureAssists the director in drafting ordinances, agreements, contracts, policies, procedures, and other relevant documentationMay provide advice to the Public Information Officer on questions related to the Freedom of Information Act or serve as the Freedom of Information OfficerReports matters of legal relevance to the President's Counsel and accepts assignments from the Director and President's Counsel as necessary
Basic Hiring Criteria:Graduation from an accredited School of Law with a Juris Doctorate degree PLUS, seven (7) years or greater professional work experience as an attorney dealing with matters of civil law, government, or corporate transactions AND licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois
Desired Qualifications: Thorough and extensive knowledge of the law as it pertains to local and municipal government in Illinois, particularly with respect to county government and the Chicago Metropolitan area including unincorporated areas of the countySkills in researching, interpreting, and arguing law as it pertains to the responsibility and authority of the department; likewise, skilled in the legal analysis and interpretation of the rules, regulations, laws, ordinances, and resolutions of the County BoardTransactional legal experienceAbility to coordinate any of the above in connection with the State's Attorney and/or other designated counsel