Assistant General Counsel - Subpoena

Job Title Assistant General Counsel – Subpoenas General Overview Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel – Subpoenas is responsible for providing quality and efficient legal services to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). The role coordinates all subpoena requests for CCSO records and supports the legal team in handling litigation, labor, employment matters, grievances, and arbitrations. Additional legal responsibilities as directed by senior counsel are also performed. Key Responsibilities and Duties Ensure all subpoena processing is compliant with state and federal law. Review and investigate initial subpoena requests, analyze legal issues, and advise on appropriate actions. Apply knowledge of privilege, privacy, confidentiality laws to counsel the Sheriff’s Office. Maintain professional communication with requesting entities, attorneys, and other parties. Negotiate subpoena response parameters to achieve legal compliance and avoid sanctions. Evaluate burdensome or overly broad subpoenas and use legal tools to narrow responses. Prepare and submit responses to subpoenas promptly. Assist the FOIA team with Agency requests and complete required training. Maintain the electronic subpoena database. Support CCSO litigation by preparing pleadings, discovery, witness prep, and trial filings. Conduct legal research and prepare opinions or guidance on statutes and case law affecting the office. Act as a hearing officer for administrative matters such as inmate disciplinary hearings. Perform tasks assigned by senior counsel within deadlines and priority guidelines. Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Proficiency in computer-based technologies and database maintenance. Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and decision‑making skills. Excellent organizational and time‑management abilities. Effective verbal and written communication with staff at all levels. Ability to coordinate with multiple departments and agencies. Capability to handle sensitive information and work close to detainees. Judgment in identifying high‑cost or legal impact issues for senior leadership. Ability to work with limited supervision. Minimum Qualifications Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution. Current member of the Illinois Bar. Experience working within a multi‑departmental agency. Completion of required electronic training within 30 days of hire and annually thereafter. Capability to work within the Cook County Jail maximum, medium, and minimum‑security divisions. Preferred Qualifications Experience in a government or public employer setting. Technical proficiency with multiple electronic record systems. Must be Legally Authorized to Work in the United States Must possess legal authorization to work in the United States. The position requires successful completion of post‑offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen, and/or medical examination. Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification and potential ineligibility for appointment for five years. Benefits Health Insurance Program – medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and eligible dependents. Thirteen holidays per fiscal year with an additional floating holiday for employees active at the fiscal year start. Sick leave earned at one day per month of service, up to 175 working days. Vacation leave earned and accrued, with the possibility of accruing 15 days within the fiscal year. Basic term life insurance equal to one time the employee’s annual salary; supplemental coverage may be purchased. Pension Plan – employees contribute to the Cook County Pension Fund and may be eligible for an annuity after ten years of service. Deferred Compensation Program – a tax‑deferred plan offered as a supplemental retirement option. EEO Statement The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits all unlawful discrimination in its hiring and promotional process. Employment decisions are not based on race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, family or parental status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr