Senior Labor Counsel - Public Sector HR & Labor Relations

Cook County; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 131,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top Tier Medical Benefits

Flexible Teleworking Options

Pension Plan

Paid Time Off

Commuter Benefits

Job summary

Cook County seeks an experienced Senior Labor Counsel for the Department of Labor Relations. The role acts as primary legal advisor to the Bureau of Human Resources on labor and employment matters, including discipline, policies, and workforce management, guiding senior HR executives on confidential issues.

The position involves advising leadership on complex personnel matters, coordinating with outside counsel, and supporting arbitrations and labor disputes across the county.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Four years of labor relations, human resources, litigation, or related experience.
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Advise Cook County officials on labor and employment law and disputes.
• Review grievances, discipline, and hearing officer decisions for compliance.
• Counsel departments on policy implementation within collective bargaining agreements.
• Collaborate with outside counsel, elected officials, and HR leadership on arbitrations.
• Represent Cook County before boards and various forums on labor issues.

Skills

Labor relations

Legal counsel

Negotiation

Litigation experience

Policy interpretation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Job description

Cook County seeks an experienced Senior Labor Counsel for the Department of Labor Relations. The role acts as primary legal advisor to the Bureau of Human Resources on labor and employment matters, including discipline, policies, and workforce management, guiding senior HR executives on confidential issues.

The position involves advising leadership on complex personnel matters, coordinating with outside counsel, and supporting arbitrations and labor disputes across the county.