OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Attorney IDomestic Relations DivisionGrade: 18Location: Chicago, ILSalary: $91,704Benefits: Information concerning benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities PageJOB SUMMARY Attorneys in the Domestic Relations Division provide legal representation for children whose parents are involved in contested custody or visitation disputes. As child representative, attorneys advocate for the best interest of our clients regarding custody, visitation, support, removal from the jurisdiction, and risk of harm in orders of protection. Attorney advocacy includes investigating the child's situation, relationships, and allegations made by either party in order to take an informed position regarding what is in the child's best interest.QUALIFICATIONS Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.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.Must have excellent professional judgment and demeanor, assessment, communication, interpersonal and problem‑solving skills.Must be well organized, 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 as part of an interdisciplinary team.Must possess strong computer skills especially with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and video conferencing applications.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 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 Settlement Conferences.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, 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.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.Be willing to perform any additional tasks that may be needed to ensure that the office and division runs efficiently and effectively.WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen.Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk.Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation.Have strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds.Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis.THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER#J-18808-Ljbffr