Job Description
CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
JUVENILE PROBATION AND COURT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Legal Advocate / General Counsel LOCATION: 1100 S. Hamilton, Chicago, Il 60612 GRADE: 23 SALARY: $152,194 EXEMPT: NON-UNION Position Summary The Legal Advocate/General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Probation Department, providing counsel on matters related to juvenile and adult probation operations, policies, contracts, compliance, and litigation risk. This position ensures that departmental practices align with statutory requirements, case law, collective bargaining agreements, and county/state policies. The role supports leadership in making legally sound decisions, assists with contract development and review, and represents the Department in administrative or quasi-judicial proceedings.
Key Responsibilities - Advise the Director, senior management, and staff on legal issues affecting probation operations, including due process, confidentiality, employment law, liability, and intergovernmental agreements.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, memoranda of understanding, and interagency agreements to safeguard departmental interests.
- Provide legal review of policies, procedures, and administrative rules to ensure compliance with state and federal law.
- Monitor legislative and case law developments impacting probation and recommend policy or procedural adjustments.
- Represent or coordinate representation for the Department in administrative hearings, grievance arbitrations, and civil proceedings involving probation practices or personnel.
- Assist in risk management by identifying potential areas of legal exposure and recommending preventive measures.
- Train staff and managers on relevant legal issues, including confidentiality, records handling, due process rights, and ethical obligations.
- Serve as liaison to the Director of Juvenile Probation to provide legal advice on matters involving litigation or major policy initiatives.
JOB REQUIREMENTS - Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Membership in good standing with the state bar.
- Minimum 5 years of legal experience, preferably in public sector, criminal justice, or labor/employment law.
- Demonstrated knowledge of probation, juvenile justice, or related justice systems preferred.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: - On a continuous basis, sit at a desk in front of a computer screen for long periods
- Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk
- Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation
- Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds
- Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis
- Walk short distances
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page .
THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
September 10, 2025
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Work at office, Trial period,