Counsels and works closely with the Department’s Director on legal matters affecting the Department, including consulting, and working with the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney as may be legally required. Under the general direction of the Director, provides advice and counsel to the Director, Department staff regarding procedural and substantive questions of law and policy which pertain to the work and mandate of the Department. Assists in the drafting and enforcement of Department and County policies and procedures and assists in the research, formation and drafting of County ordinances, agreements, contracts and other relevant documentation as requested by the Director. Advises on and manages complex legal transactions, including but not limited to real estate transactions, financing agreements, re-development agreements and litigation. Manages outside legal counsel. May serve in the capacity of Freedom of Information Officer or advise on matters related to the Freedom of Information Act. Revises Rules and Regulations of the Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) to reflect updated best practices and advises the CCLBA on the rules and regulations impacting the CCLBA. Responds to legal inquiries from the public or applicants regarding re-development agreements, purchase and sales agreements and Intergovernmental agreements.

This position is Actively Recruited and At Will.

Extensive knowledge of State and local ordinances, laws, regulations, and standards. Extensive skills in performing legal research and writing. Analytical skills, including the ability to elicit and evaluate information, formulate opinions, and make recommendations relative to the mission and mandate of the Department. Administrative and supervisory skills, ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with superiors and subordinates. Excellent organizational skills; ability to coordinate various projects in a timely manner; and respond, as necessary to emergency situations, must be attentive to details. Experience and skill in handling complex transactions; must possess the ability to handle challenging situations with tact and diplomacy. Must possess strong mediation and interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain confidentiality and trust; must be able to exercise discretion in dealing with Cook County officials, parties, and documents as they relate to the duties and responsibilities of the Department. Must possess general typing, filing and word processing skills utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Physical Requirements
Sedentary Work
Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

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.

• This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and medical examination.

Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County’s Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. For current County employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and placement on the County’s Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article II, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment - Penalty, 44-56 Political Discrimination; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre-Interview License and Certification Verification; Supplemental Policy No. 2014-2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (d)

EEO Statement

Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance as further defined in Chapter 44. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Polices, Section 44-53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42-35 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances.

NOTE: As an internal candidate, should you be offered the position, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Social Media Disclaimer

The County’s hiring process is governed by the Cook County Employment Plan which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the County’s hiring decision. Cook County officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County - Office of the Inspector General. If the Cook County Inspector General sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, Cook County will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.