Principal Assistant State's Attorney

General Description

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

Under the professional direction of the Division Chief, performs complex legal work of advanced difficulty in the Civil Division of the State's Attorney's Office. This is a responsible legal position involving the independent performance of difficult legal assignments involving both state and federal litigation and advising clients and elected officials. Employees in this class are fully qualified professional attorneys capable of applying the techniques of the legal profession to any case assigned and assisting assigned clients and elected officials on legal issues. Work as a Principal Assistant State's Attorney is performed with a minimum amount of instruction and guidance.

Essential Functions

This following list of essential functions is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all the duties and responsibilities performed.

* Conductscomplexlitigationinallstages,includingfiling,discovery,settlementnegotiations and trial
* Managesstateandfederalcasesindependentlyincludinganyresultingappeals
* Provideslegaladviceandlegalopinionsandsupporttoelectedofficialsandclients
* Assistsotherassistantstate'sattorneysinthedivisiononareasofexpertise
* Assistsinpreparingandreviewingordinances,resolutions,contractsandotherlegal documents
* Takes direction from supervisors
* Performs comprehensive research utilizing Westlaw and other electronic legal research software

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

* Experienceinoneormoreareasoflawstronglypreferred:experiencehandlingSection1983 litigation, labor and employment matters, employment litigation, labor arbitrations, transactionalwork,draftinglegislativeenactmentsorordinances,experienceadvisingclients on the OMA or FOIA, work related to taxing bodies, and/or environmental litigation.
* ComprehensiveknowledgeofIllinoisandFederallaw,localcourtprocedures,rulesofcivil procedure and the rules of evidence.
* Considerableknowledgeoffederalandstateappellateprocedures
* Strongresearch,analytical,andnegotiationskills.
* Abilitytoclearlycommunicatelegalrecommendationstoclientsandelectedofficials
* Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents and to present such
* materials effectively
* Demonstrated ability to provide professional and persuasive court presentations.
* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use a computer. Good knowledge of PC operations and software (word processing, spreadsheet, and document scanning, editing and management system, i.e. Acrobat/Adobe) are required. Good typing skills are also required.

Competency

To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies.

* Analytical-Synthesizescomplexordiverseinformation;Usesintuitionandexperience to complement the analysis.
* Problem Solving-Identifiesandresolvesproblemsinatimelymanner;Gathersand analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions.
* Case Management-Developscasemanagementplan;Coordinatescasemanagement with co-workers; Communicates case progress and status periodically.
* Oral Communication- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations;Listensandgetsclarification;Respondswelltoquestions;Participatesin meetings.
* Written Communication-Writesclearlyandinformatively;Editsworkforspellingand grammar;Varieswritingstyletomeetneeds;Presentsnumericaldataeffectively;Ableto read and interpret written information.
* Change Management-Developsworkableimplementationplans;Communicates changes effectively; Monitors transition and evaluated results.
* Quality Management-Looksforwaystoimproveandpromotequality;Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
* Organizational Support-Followspoliciesandprocedures;Completesadministrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.
* Strategic Thinking-Developsstrategiestoachieveorganizationalgoals;Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
* Judgement- Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment;Supportsandexplainsreasoningfordecisions;Includesappropriatepeoplein decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
* Planning/Organizing-Prioritizesandplansworkactivities;Usestimeefficiently;Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans.
* Professionalism- Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treatsotherswithrespectandconsiderationregardlessoftheirstatusorposition;Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
* Quality-Demonstratesaccuracyandthoroughness;Looksforwaystoimproveand promote quality; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
* Quantity-Completesworkintimelymanner;Strivestoincreaseproductivity.
* Safety and Security-Observessafetyandsecurityprocedures;Usesequipmentand materials properly.
* Adaptability- Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands;Changesapproachormethodtobestfitthesituation;Abletodealwithfrequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
* Attendance/Punctuality-Isconsistentlyatworkandontime.
* Dependability- Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments.
* Initiative- Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent action.

Education and/or Other Requirements

* CompletionofaJurisDoctoratedegreeprogramfromanAmericanBarAssociation approved law school.
* Aminimumoffiveyearsofexperienceasalicensedattorney;alternatively,similaramount of experience working with and representing local governments preferred.
* Licensed Attorney in the State of Illinois.

Supplemental Information

Physiological Factors

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

* WhileperformingthedutiesofthisJob,theemployeeisregularlyrequiredtousehandsto finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
* Specificvisionabilitiesrequiredbythisjobincludeclosevision,depthperceptionandability to adjust focus.

Psychological Factors

The psychological demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

* Abilitytomaintainpleasantworkingrelationshipswithjudges,attorneys,co-workers,elected officials, county clients and the public.
* Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to perform the essential functions. This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of Lake County Government or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time.

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (EOE).