POSITION SUMMARY

CMS Legal is looking for a self-motivated and energetic candidate to fill the position of Assistant Labor Relations Counsel.  This position performs technical and legal work in all areas of labor relations as a representative of the Department of Central Management Services.  A successful staff member will be able to represent the State of Illinois in arbitration hearings and before the Illinois Labor Relations Board and will be responsible for reviewing resolutions and disciplinary actions, recommending administrative actions on labor relations issues.  The ideal candidate is seeking a fast-paced litigation position, with the ability to travel.  We invite all dynamic attorneys interested in meaningful legal work to apply!

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Represents the State in arbitration hearings regarding contractual (e.g. collective bargaining agreement) grievances.

• Represents the State in matters pending before the Illinois Labor Relations Board.

• Provides technical advice and legal policy determinations on a wide variety of difficult and complex legal questions, laws, rules, policies, and procedures as they pertain to labor relations.

• Participates in Agency, Boards, and Commissions requests for suspensions over 30 days or discharges.

• Conducts research on technical and specialized labor relations matters.

• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires graduation from a recognized law school.
• Requires the possession of a valid and current license to practice law in the State of Illinois.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization with at least one (1) year of litigation experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prefers one (1) year of professional experience in labor relations law. 
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience in arbitration practice. 
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience with collective bargaining agreements, including negotiations and administration matters. 
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience in legal issues related to oversight and coordination of labor relations related grievance and discipline matters.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience with a unionized workforce environment. 
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience with legal research and writing memoranda. 
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience presenting legal training. 
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience working with State and other governmental law, rules, and polices. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires a valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to use agency technology/equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.) properly in accordance with information security awareness policies and confidentiality guidelines.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Requires possession and maintaining of license to practice law in State of Illinois.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

ABOUT THE AGENCY

Central Management Services (CMS) is the operational engine working behind the scenes to enable the State’s more than 60 agencies, universities, boards, and commissions to deliver efficient, reliable service to all Illinois citizens. The Agency’s mission is to support the State by delivering innovative, responsive, and effective services that provide the best value for Illinois State government and the people it serves. Among the services CMS provides are human resources facilitation; benefits programs for employees, retirees, and local governments; property and facilities management; diversity initiatives for public contracting and State employment; joint purchasing support; vehicle oversight and support; surplus property programs; print and electronic communications services; and administrative hearings coordination.

STATE OF ILLINOIS BENEFITS

As a State of Illinois employee, you receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position).
• 10 -25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment).
• 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
• 3 paid personal business days per year.
• 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System.
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP).
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.

For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today!