OPG - Cook County Public Guardian

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: COOK COUNTY PUBLIC GUARDIAN

Department: OFFICE OF THE COOK COUNTY PUBLIC GUARDIAN

Grade: 24

Salary: $237,782.23

Location: 69 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Position Overview

The Cook County Public Guardian is appointed by the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County and serves as an independent voice for those unable to advocate for themselves. The Public Guardian leads the only law office of its kind in the nation that combines the legal representation of abused and neglected children, children in custody/divorce cases, and people with disabilities under guardianship. In the Juvenile Division, the office represents abused, neglected and dependent children as their lawyer and guardian ad litem in Cook County’s juvenile court. In the Domestic Relations Division, the office acts as the child representative in hotly contested custody cases. In the Adult Guardianship Division, the office serves as guardian for mostly elderly individuals with cognitive disabilities such as Alzheimer’s. As guardian of the estate, the office manages more than $100 million in diverse assets belonging to people under guardianship, including assets in other states and countries, and has recovered more than $60 million of assets that were stolen from such individuals before the office’s involvement. The staff of 250 employees is comprised of more than 130 lawyers and also includes case managers, financial services specialists, investigators, property managers, a psychologist, paralegals and other professionals.

The Public Guardian provides strategic leadership, advocacy, and policy guidance while working collaboratively with courts, government agencies, community organizations, and policymakers to strengthen systems serving children and adults with disabilities.

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Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Administration

• Serve as the head of a large, multidisciplinary public law office of more than 250 professionals, including 130 attorneys along with case managers, social workers, financial services specialists, investigators, property managers, a psychologist, paralegals and administrative staff.
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring effective service delivery, accountability, and adherence to best practices.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic initiatives that advance the mission of the Office and improve outcomes for children and adults served.
• Direct annual budget planning, fiscal management, and resource allocation for the Office in collaboration with the Chief Judge and Cook County leadership.

Legal Strategy & Litigation Oversight

• Oversee representation in high-stakes and precedent-setting cases in adult guardianship, child protection, and domestic relations, including cases involving financial exploitation, placement disputes, and systemic child welfare issues.
• Establish litigation strategy and standards of practice to ensure zealous, ethical, and trauma-informed representation.
• Maintain admission and active practice before Illinois courts and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Policy Development & Systemic Reform

• Develop and advocate for policy reforms that strengthen protections for abused and neglected children, adults with disabilities, and families involved in the court system.
• Collaborate with the judiciary, court administrators, state agencies, legislators, and community partners to advance systemic and legislative improvements in child welfare, adult guardianship and domestic relations matters.
• Represent the Office on statewide and national committees, task forces, and commissions addressing child welfare, family law, equal justice, and court reform.

Staff Development & Organizational Excellence

• Foster a culture of excellence, inclusion, and professional growth within a diverse workforce.
• Support recruitment, training, mentorship, and retention of highly skilled legal, social service, and administrative professionals.
• Promote and ensure leadership development, and succession planning within the Office.

Community Engagement & Public Leadership

• Serve as a public spokesperson and subject-matter expert on issues affecting children, families, and adults with disabilities.
• Engage with community organizations, advocacy groups, and the media to elevate awareness and accountability in child welfare and guardianship systems.
• Teach, publish, and present on best practices in children’s law, guardianship, judicial education, and public interest law.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Illinois State Bar; eligibility to practice in state and federal courts.
• A minimum of 5 years management experience, including management of union and non-union staff.
• Extensive experience in child welfare law, guardianship, probate, or related public interest legal practice.
• Demonstrated executive-level leadership in a large public interest or governmental legal setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in litigation strategy, policy development, and court-based advocacy.
• Proven ability to manage large, multidisciplinary teams and complex budgets.
• Commitment to public service and advancing justice for vulnerable populations.
• Available daily, after hours and weekends, to address client, personnel, budget and other important matters.

Preferred

• Deep experience within adult guardianship and child welfare legal systems.
• Significant involvement in judicial education, policy development, and law reform initiatives.
• Demonstrated collaboration with courts, government agencies, elected officials, and nonprofit organizations to improve systemic outcomes.
• Recognized expertise through teaching, publications, or statewide leadership roles.
• Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive advocacy.
• Experience working with unions and ensuring compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership and organizational management.
• Sound legal judgment and trial expertise. Litigation and appellate advocacy oversight.
• Collaborative leadership and stakeholder engagement.
• Policy analysis and systems thinking.
• Ethical decision-making and public accountability.Commitment to child-centered and client-centered advocacy.

This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.

Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment.

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.