Labor Counsel

We have an outstanding career opportunity for a Labor Counsel to join a leading Company located in the Chicago, IL surrounding area.

Salary: $116,370 -$142,230

Represents in matters within the authority of the Labor Relations Department under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Litigation/Grievance & Discipline. Acts as a legal advisor and counsel to the County in all areas of labor relations related to the Bureau. Labor Counsel is responsible for all labor relations-related litigation that may arise, 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. Assists in labor negotiations with collective bargaining groups; assists in the evaluation, formation, and implementation of policy directives affecting employees. Consults with the Bureau Chief of Human Resources and Deputy Chief in matters of highest confidentiality.

Job Responsibilities:

• Evaluates, prepares, and represents in all labor arbitrations.
• 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 laws and facts and prepares pre- and post-hearing briefs.
• Counsels various departments and offices in labor relations and employment matters such as discipline, layoffs, terminations, transfers and numerous other matters that may arise between 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.
• Interprets collective bargaining agreements, County policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Assists the Deputy Chief and Deputy Directors in labor negotiations and the formulation, implementation and enforcement of labor and employee policies, 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.

Basic Hiring Criteria:

• 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 before various forums.
• Skill in analyzing labor agreements and appropriately interpreting the terms, conditions and intent represented therein.
• 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 offices and agencies.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the law pertaining to local and municipal government in Illinois, particularly with respect to government and the Health and Hospital System.
• Graduation from an accredited law school as Juris Doctor.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.
• Three (3) years of work experience in labor relations, human resources, litigation, or other related field.

Benefits offered vary by contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, and affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Job Requirements

Minimum Security Clearance:

No Clearance

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance