Deputy General Counsel - Labor & Employment - (2400009P) at Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County

POSITION SUMMARY

Manages staff attorneys, labor relations representatives, and outside counsel in labor and employment matters. Advises General Counsel and client departments on labor and employment issues. Assists and counsels upper management in employment matters, labor negotiations, reorganizations, reductions in force, layoffs and discipline. May act as ‘first chair’ and may serve as chief negotiator/spokesperson in labor negotiations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides advice and counsel directly to a wide variety of CTA clients in areas related to labor contract negotiations, reorganizations, discipline, legislation, and policy.
2. Manages the interpretation, implementation, and administration of various laws, regulations, ordinances, and collective bargaining agreements as they pertain to the Authority.
3. Manages and directs the activities of managing, Chief, Senior, and Associate Attorneys, paralegals, and support staff within Labor & Employment. Assigns and reviews work, and ensures adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and standards. Manages outside counsel.
4. Handles own docket of cases and other matters, which may require appearances before courts and administrative agencies, including trials, hearings and arbitrations, taking and defending of depositions, other discovery, preparation of witnesses, research, drafting of pleadings, and providing advice on employment and labor issues.
5. Must have ability to handle all matters that arise in practice area or participate in labor negotiations.
6. Provides mentoring and other skill-development services for junior attorneys and staff.
7. Serves as Law Department liaison. Acts as Labor & Employment subject matter expert and attends Law Department Committee meetings. Provides legal advice and related information as appropriate in Authority Task Forces.
8. Hires, trains, develops, monitors, and evaluates performance of staff. Reviews personnel actions and makes recommendations for approval.
9. Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

• Attorneys (Managing, Chief, Senior, Associate)
• Director, Labor Relations
• Paralegals
• Outside counsel
• Administrative support (e.g., labor relations representatives)
• Administrative Assistants/Legal Secretaries
• Non-lawyer professionals (e.g., claims reps, investigators)

CHALLENGES

1. Drafting and finalizing documents in a timely manner and within allotted timeframes.
2. Maintaining good working relationships and communicating effectively with client departments and staff on all levels to achieve Authority goals and objectives.
3. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously and handling stressful situations.
4. Providing legal advice in a timely and efficient manner.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Law degree from an accredited school of law and licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. Must have ten plus years legal experience in labor and/or employment law.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery. Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Detailed knowledge of applicable federal and state laws.
2. Detailed knowledge of the principles and methods of developing policy and procedures.
3. Detailed knowledge in practices of drafting legal documents.
4. Detailed knowledge of the methods and practices of legal research and investigation, judicial procedure, and the rules of evidence.
5. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including work processing functions.
6. Strong interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interrelate with assigned staff and various levels of personnel from other Authority departments.
7. Strong managerial and administrative skills to direct and coordinate the activities of the practice area.
8. Strong editing and drafting skills, and great attention to detail.
9. Strong organizational skills.
10. Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
11. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
12. Strong analytical skills necessary for competent legal interpretation.
13. Ability to coordinate multiple requests simultaneously while meeting multiple deadlines.
14. Ability to provide effective solutions to CTA issues with integrity, initiative, and creativity.
15. Ability to work in stressful situations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment. Make regular site visits to non-office locations (e.g., court, offices of other government agencies). This position is considered a “C-List” position under the “Revolving Door” prohibition within the State Officials and Employees Act (5 ILCS 430/5-45), which contains a number of post-employment restrictions CTA employees in C-list designated positions must follow.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

Standard office equipment. Personal computer and related software.

CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.

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