Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Job Summary

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.

Typical Duties

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Knowledge of the legal system as it relates to procedures, laws, contracts, torts, and related areas.

Ability to work independently and as a part of a management team in analyzing legal situations and problems as they arise. Ability to work remotely without direct supervision.

Ability to research and draft legal memoranda to address legal issues as they arise.

Knowledge and understanding of federal, state and local law as applicable to units of local government.

Ability to negotiate and draft agreements, including settlement agreements.  

Skill in writing reports and various other documents.

Ability to appear in court and various other forums as the District’s legal representative.

Ability to understand and grasp details, policies, protocols, systems, procedures, and technical terminology of the District.

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.

Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Basic Term Life Insurance

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)  

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

Veteran’s Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference 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 employment application by answering Yes to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application.  If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, please submit the one with the latest date.  Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Veteran must provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. 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 job