Job Description

Cook County College Teachers Union
AFT Local 1600

General Counsel

Based in Chicago, IL

Who we are:
The Cook County College Teachers Union, Local 1600, has been fighting for workers’ rights and social justice for more than 50 years. We represent more than 4,200 current employees at 14 community colleges in the Chicago area along with an active group of 800 retiree members. Our members are professors, adjuncts, professionals, classified employees, part-time professionals, and security officers. We believe in equity, academic freedom, educational quality, and defending public education. Come join our team and be part of a larger mission. Learn more about us at CCCTU.org .

What we are looking for:
CCCTU is recruiting to fill the position of General Counsel . This position serves as the union’s attorney and strategic advisor to the President, Executive Officers, Executive Board, and staff. They will be the point person for collective bargaining, grievance handling, and other areas impacting the union’s work. 

The person selected will be expected to represent members at arbitrations and Office of Inspector General hearings. For lower-level grievances, the General Counsel will advise chapter leaders as needed and train elected grievance officers on appropriate handling of cases. The person will serve as the point of contact for working with outside counsel when necessary.

Duties include:

1. Assist chapters in handling grievances, pre-disciplinary hearings, OIG complaints, and EEOs, as requested. 
2. Review grievances and advise Local regarding whether to proceed to arbitration. 
3. Represent the Local in arbitration proceedings. 
4. Assist chapters in contract negotiations, as assigned by the President of the Local. This may include any, or a combination, of the following: serving as chief spokesperson at the negotiation table, assisting the chapter leadership at the table, providing legal advice and negotiation strategy to the Local and Chapter leadership between sessions. 
5. Review and draft Memorandums of Agreement. 
6. Train local leaders in essential leadership functions.
7. Strategize with leaders to assist with planning actions that go beyond grievances to build power at our colleges.
8. Help chapters know and execute their rights and responsibilities under collective bargaining law.
9. Provide legal advice to Officers and Chapter Leadership as requested by the President or Vice-Presidents.

Required qualifications:

1. License to practice law in Illinois.
2. Knowledge of public unions and applicable laws.
3. Understanding of union organizing.

Additional desired qualifications:

1. Experience handling union grievances and arbitrations.
2. Experience negotiating union contracts.

How to Apply:
Please send a letter of interest and current résumé to kskoirchet@ccctu.org . Your letter of interest should clearly explain how your experience, training, and education make you a competitive candidate for this position. 

This position is open until filled; however we are looking to fill this opening quickly. It is to the applicant’s advantage to apply as early as possible.

Please Note: The CCCTU does not pay the cost of any expense incurred in the interview process, nor any expense incurred in relocation when employment requires a change in residency.

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at .

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