Executive Public Guardian & Child Welfare Advocate

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 214,000 - 262,000; Full time

Job summary

The Circuit Court of Cook County’s Office of the Chief Judge seeks a Cook County Public Guardian to lead a large, multidisciplinary public law office in Chicago. You will oversee 250+ staff, 130 attorneys, and complex guardianship, child welfare, and adult protection matters for the county.

Advocacy, policy development, budget oversight, and trauma-informed representation across divisions are essential to this role.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and Illinois Bar admission.
• Minimum 5 years of management experience, including staff supervision.
• Extensive experience in child welfare or guardianship law.

Responsibilities

• Serve as head of a large public law office with 250+ professionals and 130 attorneys.
• Oversee operations, budgeting, and strategic initiatives for the office.
• Direct litigation strategy and policy development across divisions.
• Collaborate with courts, agencies, legislators, and community partners.

Skills

Leadership

Management experience

Policy development

Litigation strategy

Public interest law

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Job description

The Circuit Court of Cook County’s Office of the Chief Judge seeks a Cook County Public Guardian to lead a large, multidisciplinary public law office in Chicago. You will oversee 250+ staff, 130 attorneys, and complex guardianship, child welfare, and adult protection matters for the county.

Advocacy, policy development, budget oversight, and trauma-informed representation across divisions are essential to this role.