Counsel

Title:   Counsel                                                                                              Budget Code: 1327

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

Under general supervision, Counsel performs legal duties for the Park District Law Department and represents the Park District at administrative hearings and court proceedings on various legal matters and perform related duties as required or assigned. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Defends the Park District in legal matters including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, contract disputes, public accommodation, labor and employment matters, workers’ compensation, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA) matters. Participates in all stages of litigation including investigation, written discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeals. May also engage in affirmative litigation, such as filing petitions for orders of protection, to protect the well-being of park staff and the general public. Performs legal research and drafts legal documents such as agreements, contracts, pleadings, motions, briefs, case reports, abstracts, letters of opinion, and memoranda.  Responds to legal inquiries from various Park District Departments. Supervises paralegals and support staff as necessary. Maintains legal records and prepares required reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience: Law Degree conferred by an American Bar Association accredited college or university supplemented by a minimum of two years of progressively responsible legal experience in two or more of the following areas: administrative or municipal law, personal injury, civil rights, contracts, environmental law, employment law, labor (union) law including employee discipline and grievance arbitration, litigation, real estate or worker’s compensation.

License Requirement: Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.  Admission to the Trial Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is desirable. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The ideal candidate will possess a good working knowledge of and experience handling litigation matters including discovery, depositions, motion practice, arbitrations, mediation, and trials.  Demonstrated proficiency in legal research, analysis and writing; effective communication skills. Ability to organize, prioritize, monitor, and meet work deadlines.

Physical Requirements: Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, and manual dexterity for working with computers, documents, office equipment. Requires physical handling of legal documents and equipment.

Salary: Estimated salary range $88,000-$93,783.56. Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate. 

Career Service: Exempt                      EEO: Professional                   FLSA:  Exempt

Updated February 2025