SENIOR LABOR COUNSEL

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Represents Cook County in matters within the authority of the Labor Relations Department
under the supervision of the Deputy Chief of Human Resources – Director of Labor Relations
and Deputy Director of Labor Relations. Acts as legal advisor and counsel to the County in all
matters within the authority of Human Resources Bureau. Senior Labor Counsel is responsible
for all labor relations-related litigation, including arbitrations and Labor Relations Board
matters. Provides guidance and counsel to department heads and supervisors on labor related
matters including discipline, work rules, and department organization. Works with outside
counsel, elected officials, and department heads in matters associated with arbitrations and
department work. Supervises and directs Labor Counsel. Assists the Deputy Chief and Deputy
Director in labor negotiations with collective bargaining groups; assists in the evaluation,
formation, and implementation of policy directives affecting employees of Cook County.
Consults with the Bureau Chief of Human Resources, Deputy Chief and Deputy Director in
matters of highest confidentiality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES AND DUTIES

Evaluates, prepares, and represents Cook County in all labor arbitrations between Cook
County and unions.

Reviews grievances, determines and implements litigation strategy, prepares witnesses,
collects evidence, conducts thorough analysis of case and negotiates settlement when
appropriate.

Coordinates hearings with opposing counsel and management, and communicates with
arbitrators.

Researches pending legal issues, analyzes case law and facts, and prepares pre- and post hearing briefs.

Counsels various Cook County departments and offices in labor relations and employment
matters such as discipline, layoffs, terminations, transfers, and numerous other mattersthat
may arise between Cook County management and employees/unions.

Provides advice and counsel on employment related laws and matters such as the
implementation of policy and initiatives within the parameters of the CBA, grievances,
arbitrations, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Affordable Care Act, and Equal
Employment Opportunity laws.

Represents the County in litigation related to the collective bargaining process including duty
to bargain in good faith, contract violations, and disciplinary matters as well as grievances
and arbitrations resulting therefrom; and consult on strike planning.

Appears before various forums including the Illinois Labor Relations Board on matters
involving union certification petitions, representation petitions, unit clarification petitions,
and unfair labor practice charges.

Supervises and directs Labor Counsel.

Interprets collective bargaining agreements, County policies, and applicable laws and
regulations.

Assists the Deputy Chief and Deputy Director in labor negotiations and the formulation,
implementation, and enforcement of labor and employee policies for Cook County, and in
doing so is responsible for matters of the utmost confidentiality.

Works with outside counsel and retained experts on a variety of employment related issues.

Advises on implementation of policies and initiatives including Workers Compensation,
disability, and return to work matters.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of and ability to resolve complex labor disputes through negotiations.

Strong command of the rules of evidence, civil procedure, and trial advocacy, and the ability
to effectively litigate complex labor and employment issues with minimal direction.

Skill in working directly and independently with elected officials, department heads, outside
counsel, and labor groups to develop strategy pertaining to a wide range of matters, including
discipline, contract interpretation, salaries, benefits and working conditions.

Knowledge of all applicable federal, state, county and local laws, rules and regulations
including those of the Illinois Labor Relations Board and the ability to represent Cook
County before various forums.

Skill in analyzing labor agreements and appropriately interpreting the terms, conditions and
intent represented therein.

Skill in directing and supervising other staff members and overseeing the preparation of
litigation matters.

Skill in the use of diplomacy and confidentiality while communicating with arbitrators,
attorneys, elected officials, department heads, management, employees, and union officials.

Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy and conduct oneself in a
professional manner. Good communication skills; good negotiation skills; ability to convey
information and explain or describe County policy and procedure to others.

At the direction of the Deputy Chief, acts a liaison between the Offices Under the President
and other Cook County offices and agencies.

MINIUMIM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited School of Law with a Juris Doctorate.

Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.

Five (5) years’ of work experience in labor relations, human resources, litigation, or other
related field.

Knowledge of the law pertaining to local and municipal government in Illinois, particularly
with respect to Cook County government and the Cook County Health and Hospital System.

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.