Opportunities

Office of the Public Guardian Employment Opportunities:

In addition to offering competitive salaries, employees receive a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug benefits, life insurance, and pension plan; Paid time off, including vacation, sick, personal time, and 13 paid holidays; Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program; 12-week Paid Parental Leave; and remote work opportunities. The Office of the Cook County Public Guardian is an equal-opportunity employer.

Qualified candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Kelley A. Thornton at Kelley.thornton@cookcountyil.gov

Attorney

We are currently hiring licensed and pre-licensed attorneys in our Juvenile, Adult Guardianship, and Domestic Relations Divisions.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Job Title: Attorney I

Grade: 18

Location: Office of the Cook County Public Guardian, Juvenile Division

Salary: $81,046

SUMMARY: The Cook County Public Guardian represents youth in care as both their attorney and guardian ad litem. Child Protection judges appoint the Public Guardian to promote the goals of the Juvenile Court Act and ensure the client’s safety and well-being are met by the Department of Children and Family Services and caregivers. The Public Guardian’s advocacy extends to various areas of the law and settings. At all times the attorney is to follow the ethical rules set forth in the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and relevant case law.

QUALIFICATIONS: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois or admitted to practice law pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 717. Experience in public service and children’s issues. Courtroom experience preferred. Must have excellent professional judgment and demeanor, assessment, communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Must be well organized, and detail-oriented, have the ability to prioritize work, meet constant deadlines, maintain confidentiality, handle multiple tasks, and deal with situations of stress and emergency within a fast-paced environment. Must work well independently and work as part of an interdisciplinary team. Strong computer skills especially with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and video conferencing applications.

This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug-Free Workplace, the use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following core duties and tasks are fundamental to the performance of the job and must be performed pursuant to office policy. Other duties may be assigned and/or may be necessary in the performance of the job.

Represent and advocate for clients competently and effectively as attorney and/or guardian ad litem.
Advocate for the client’s wishes and/or best interests based on individual circumstances.
Practice law ethically in accordance with the Illinois Code of Professional Responsibility and relevant case law.
Prepare cases for court, hearings, or other meetings in a timely manner (e.g., initiate discovery, file appropriate pleadings, convene staffings).
Demonstrate familiarity and competency with using the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, the Juvenile Court Act, other appropriate statutes, and relevant case law for civil and administrative practice.
Draft well-written and factual pleadings, correspondence, and other documents.
Conduct legal research.
Maintain regular and timely in-person and remote contact with clients that includes targeting an average of four field interviews per month, and assisting with out-of-area visits.
Develop and maintain a working knowledge of available resources to assist clients.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Job Title: Attorney I

Grade: 18

Location: Office of the Cook County Public Guardian, Adult Guardianship Division

Salary: $81,046

Job Summary: The Cook County Public Guardian’s Adult Guardianship Division (OPG) serves as the court-appointed guardian for adults adjudicated as persons with disabilities by a judge in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. The Public Guardian’s authorities and responsibilities are bound by the Probate Act of 1975 and other relevant statutes and case law. As guardian of the person, the Public Guardian is responsible for the personal well-being of the person with a disability. As guardian of the estate, the Public Guardian is responsible for the finances, legal matters, and property of the person with a disability. The Public Guardian strives to maintain the maximum level of independence for the persons under his guardianship. An attorney in the Adult Guardianship Division is responsible for competently and zealously representing the Public Guardian as his attorney and agent when he is appointed legal guardian. At all times the attorney is to follow the ethical rules set forth in the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and relevant case law.

Qualifications:

Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.
Ability to multitask, pay close attention to detail, and prioritize responsibilities.
Ability to conduct complex and detailed analysis of legal and other issues relevant to persons with disabilities.
Excellent professional judgment, leadership, communication, crisis intervention, and people skills.
Ability to work independently to solve complex issues and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet deadlines.
Experience working with or advocating on behalf of persons with disabilities.
Possess a valid driver’s license.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Serve as attorney and agent for the Public Guardian when he is appointed guardian by the Probate Court for a person with disabilities.
Appear in court on behalf of the Public Guardian (including Probate, Law, Municipal, Chancery and other divisions).
Effectively and professionally advocate before judges, hearing officers, and administrative law judges.
Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the Probate Act of 1975, Illinois Power of Attorney Act, Living Will Act, Health Care Surrogate Act, Disposition of Remains Act, Cemetery Act, Code of Civil Procedure, Illinois Supreme Court Rules, Rules and General Orders of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois Rules of Evidence, and other laws, administrative rules, regulations or procedures pertinent to OPG or its persons under guardianship.
Develop and maintain a working knowledge of pertinent case law and demonstrate an ability and willingness to research the law pertinent to OPG and its persons under guardianship.
Prepare for contested guardianship hearings—e.g., conduct discovery, address basic and complex issues, meet deadlines, obtain records, subpoena and prepare witnesses, and complete follow up in a timely manner.
Prepare and present court documents (e.g., inventories, petitions, reports, accounts) as required under the Probate Act of 1975 and Rules and General Orders of the Circuit Court of Cook County in a timely manner.
Work effectively with other OPG departments; convene and lead ongoing meetings with other departments to appropriately address the needs (e.g., placement, medical care, end-oflife decisions, etc.) of their persons under guardianship and to address emergencies as they arise.
Conduct initial inspections of real estate, storage lockers, safe deposit boxes, mobile homes, trailers, and other property of persons under OPG guardianship. These inspections may involve physical labor and use of protective gear.
Oversee and address all aspects of real estate in which a person under guardianship has an interest, including but not limited to title issues, mortgages, insurance, liens, taxes, rental payments, tenants and other property management issues.
Work effectively with other individuals involved with a case outside OPG (e.g., family, medical professionals, social workers, Adult Protective Services, other external or contract attorneys, law enforcement).
Effectively conduct negotiations and promote discussion, when appropriate, to resolve matters.
Maintain regular and timely contact with persons served by the Public Guardian, including visiting at least one person under guardianship per month.
Draft, review and execute contracts, advance directives, pre-need funeral/burial arrangements, and estate planning documents.
Prepare and maintain budgets and promptly conduct financial planning and Medicaid spenddown as appropriate.
Organize and maintain electronic and paper files, records and documents.
Effectively document important events, actions and decisions on each individual case.
Record attorney legal time for billable and non-billable events in a timely manner.
Respond to calls, emails, regular mail, and other inquiries daily or in an otherwise timely manner.
Participate in on-call rotation evenings, weekends, and holidays a few times a year.
Seek out supervision and assistance with issues as they arise; follow supervisory direction.
Attend and participate in training required to maintain skill, competency, and knowledge of the law and to complete MCLE requirements.
Exhibit willingness to serve in other capacities within the office and/or on behalf of OPG (e.g., serve on office committees, interview and supervise law clerks, conduct research, lead trainings, attend legal conferences, and special projects).

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Job Title: Attorney I

Grade: 18

Location: Office of the Cook County Public Guardian, Domestic Relations Division

Salary: $81,046

Summary: It is the duty of every attorney employed by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to competently and zealously represent children in the capacity of the appointment. At all times, the attorney is to follow the ethical rules set forth in the Illinois Code of Professional Responsibility and relevant statutes and case law. For example, each attorney is expected to maintain contact with clients, observe confidentiality in client matters, and act to ensure our clients’ health, safety, and welfare.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following core duties are fundamental to the performance of the job; other duties may be assigned and/or may be necessary for the performance of the job.

Maintain regular and timely contact with clients.
Ensure that all client contact is developmentally appropriate.
Respond to calls, mail, and other inquiries daily or in an otherwise timely manner.
Organize and maintain files, records, and documents. Keep an accurate appointment book and enter all appointments, court appearances, etc., in the computer database as requested.
Accurately and regularly document time spent on each case for fee purposes. File with the court timely fee petitions and invoices every 90 days on each case or as requested.
Fully prepare cases, address basic and complex issues, meet filing deadlines, secure records, subpoena witnesses, and complete follow-up in a timely manner.
File motions and/or convene staffings when appropriate.
Develop and maintain a working knowledge of existing/emerging law regarding domestic relations, parentage, abuse/neglect, domestic violence, and other issues affecting children and families (including administrative rules, regulations, and procedures).
Effectively and professionally advocate before judges, hearing officers, administrative law judges, and others as necessary.
Effectively conduct negotiations, and settlement conferences, and promote discussion, when appropriate, to resolve matters.
Work effectively with other individuals involved with a case (e.g. medical professionals, social workers, teachers, other attorneys, etc.).
Work effectively with co-workers and display initiative and willingness to assist others and take on additional tasks.
Supervise and provide support to other attorneys in court upon request.
Be able and willing to handle administrative matters and emergencies as needed, and serve as acting supervisor in the supervisor’s absence upon request.
Be willing to perform any additional tasks that may be needed to ensure that the office and division run efficiently and effectively.
Seek out supervision and assistance with issues as they arise.
Exhibit willingness to serve in other capacities within the office and/or on behalf of the office (e.g. training committee, mentoring law clerks, committees within the Domestic Relations Division of the court); represent OPG at seminars, symposia, conferences, etc. (including out of the area and out of state) and make presentations and speeches upon request.
Perform additional tasks/responsibilities as assigned by the Supervising Attorney.
Arrive promptly on a daily basis and work the hours necessary to thoroughly and appropriately represent our clients and fulfill other job duties.
Learn and comply with all office policies and procedures and attend all required meetings, including staff meetings and child representative trainings sponsored by the Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division.
Attend and participate in training required to maintain skill, competency, and knowledge of the law; comply with all requirements for mandatory continuing legal education.
Develop and maintain a working knowledge of services, programs, and evaluators available to assist clients and their families.

Paralegal

It is the duty of a paralegal employed by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), under general supervision, to perform a variety of duties to assist the attorneys in their representation of our clients. The paralegal must follow the ethical requirements as set forth in the Code of Professional Responsibility. Each paralegal is expected to maintain contact with clients, observe confidentiality in client matters, and use a reasonable degree of care to ensure our clients’ health, safety, and welfare. Requirements: B.A. or B.S. in a related field and a post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate.

We are currently hiring one paralegal for the Juvenile Division.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT – AFSCME Council 31, Local 3969

Position: Paralegal I

Salary: AAIII Grade 16E – $62,372

Location: Juvenile Division or Domestic Relations Division

SUMMARY: Paralegals at the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian assist attorneys by gathering organizing, and summarizing information, conducting legal research, attending staffings, preparing legal pleadings, and conducting client interviews. As a professional partner in the service of children, the paralegal is expected to be familiar with, and perform all duties consistent with, the ethical requirements as set forth in the Illinois Supreme Court Rules, Article VIII, and Code of Professional Responsibility. Additionally, each paralegal is expected to observe confidentiality in client matters and ensure our clients’ health, safety, and welfare.

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, a paralegal must hold a post-graduate certificate in Paralegal Studies from an American Bar Association-approved program or a law degree from an American Bar Association-approved Law School. Must possess two (2) or more years of experience as a paralegal. Must possess excellent professional judgment, problem-solving, analytical reasoning, communication, and interpersonal skills. Must be organized, and detail-oriented, have the ability to handle multiple tasks, work efficiently within a fast-paced environment, and meet constant deadlines. Must be able to work independently as part of an interdisciplinary team, and maintain a professional demeanor. Proficient legal research and computer skills necessary, including abilities in LexisNexis, Excel, and Microsoft Office.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following core duties are fundamental to the performance of the job. Other duties may be assigned and/or may be necessary to the performance of the job.

Conduct legal research.
Prepare motions, responses, and fee petitions.
Prepare subpoenas and monitor compliance.
Assist attorneys with all aspects of case preparation.
Review and summarize documents.
Conduct client, caregiver, and case manager interviews, and make recommendations as needed.
Maintained out-of-area database and incarcerated clients lists.
Conduct and assist with periodic data audits.
Create and maintain client case files.
Review and organize discovery.
Attend client staffings and summarize information for the assigned attorney.
Assist with special projects upon request.
Obtain documents for cases.
Coordinate client interviews at residential facilities, out-of-area placements, and correctional facilities.
Assist with intake of new cases and collection and processing of retainers and fees.
Prepare files for close out.

Child Interviewer

Interviews Office of the Public Guardian clients both at court and in their placements, in preparation for upcoming court dates and hearings. Travels to interview clients who are in out-of-county and out-of-state placements. Makes recommendations to attorneys regarding proper services and/or actions that should be advocated for on behalf of clients. Reports incidents of abuse or neglect of a client to the DCFS hotline. Attends staffings at attorneys’ request. Requirements: At least three years of direct service experience in child welfare. B.A. or B.S. in related field.

Law Student Internship

(Juvenile, Adult Guardianship, and Domestic Relations Divisions & Appeals Unit)

The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Divisions, and Appeals Unit of the office welcome law clerks throughout the year to assist in representing clients from birth to age 21. Volunteers, grant recipients, and students working for credit are encouraged to apply. The law clerk program is designed to provide students with practical experience. Law clerks may request to be assigned to the Juvenile Division, Domestic Relations Division, or the Appeals Unit. Duties may include drafting motions and other court documents, legal research, appellate briefs, case preparation, interviewing witnesses and otherwise assisting experienced attorneys in advocating for children and youth. Students with a license issued pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711 may appear in court under the supervision of a licensed attorney and receive training to interview child clients. All law clerks participate in an orientation and formal training. In addition, each law clerk receives performance evaluations. Law clerks must be enrolled in an accredited law school, possess the ability to communicate and work with attorneys and other professional staff, demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, and show enthusiasm and assertiveness. All internships and clerkships are unpaid. Check with your individual school for externships or other credit arrangements. Volunteers, grant recipients, and students working for credit may submit a cover letter and resume via email, fax, or mail to the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian, 2245 West Ogden Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60612, Attn: Law Clerk Coordinator, Law Clerk Program, opg@cookcountyil.gov, 312-433-4300, fax: 312-433-5129. Deadlines for submitting applications are November 15th for Spring clerkships, April 15th for Summer clerkships, and July 15th for Fall clerkships.

The Adult Guardianship Division of the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian offers a unique opportunity to law students. Attorneys in the Adult Guardianship Division represent the Public Guardian in his capacity as guardian of disabled adults. While attorneys primarily handle guardianship matters in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, they often find themselves representing the Public Guardian on behalf of disabled adults in other divisions such as Municipal, Chancery, and Domestic Relations, to name a few. As law clerks in the Adult Guardianship Division, students assist attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, motions, and other legal pleadings, and preparing for trial or other hearings. Student law clerks are also offered the unique opportunity to accompany attorneys in the field to conduct real property inspections, visit with disabled adults at their residences, and attend meetings with other professionals working with disabled adults. A law student with a license under Supreme Court Rule 711 may appear before the court-supervised by one of the Adult Guardianship attorneys. All student law clerks are provided in-house training at the start of the clerkship and are mentored by the attorneys. All internships and clerkships are unpaid. Check with your individual school for externships or other credit arrangements. Interested law students should submit a cover letter and resume to: Office of the Cook County Public Guardian, Attn: Legal Internship Coordinator, 69 West Washington Street, Suite 700, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Deadlines for submitting applications are November 15th for Spring clerkships, April 15th for Summer clerkships, and July 15th for Fall clerkships.

Psychology Student Internship

The Juvenile Division welcomes masters and doctorate-level psychology students interested in completing a social justice practicum as part of their training through their academic program. Students interested in learning about advocacy, public service, marginalized populations, legal proceedings, and child welfare are encouraged to apply. Internships are unpaid. Psychology students will complete a project as part of a team that aims to facilitate advocacy in meeting the needs of our clients. Interns must be enrolled in an accredited school with an educational agreement with our office, demonstrate good time management, analytical skills, and organization, have an interest in research and passion for learning about the work with this population. Psychology students receive weekly supervision by a licensed clinical psychologist.

THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER