Glen Ellyn, IL – Village Attorney

The Village of Glen Ellyn is a dynamic and vibrant community seeking experienced, team-oriented, and collaborative candidates to apply for the position of Village Attorney to join the more than 135 fulltime (165 part time) employee team in this progressive community of 27,000 residents.  The Village of Glen Ellyn is located 20 miles west of Chicago in DuPage County. It is recognized as one of the area’s premier communities with an excellent library, park district, top-rated schools, and home to the College of DuPage.  The Village strikes a balance between beautiful neighborhoods, open space, and strong commercial activity, including a historic downtown that offers an eclectic mix of restaurants and specialty boutiques.

DESCRIPTION:

The Village Attorney reports to the Village Manager for day-to-day activities and is responsible for providing sound and confidential legal advice to the Village President, Village Board, Village Manager, and Village management staff.  Represents or advises the Village in legal proceedings and recommends outside counsel when required. Advises Village departments, Boards, and Commissions; prepares and reviews ordinances, resolutions, and legal documents.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

●       Acts as chief legal counsel to the Village Board, Committees and Commissions, and management staff.

●       Represent the Village, or assign representation to outside counsel, in matters concerning judicial and administrative litigation, including preparing cases, advising on strategies and alternatives, and monitoring the cases throughout the legal process.

●       Coordinates the independent work of the Village Prosecutor, Hearing Officer, Ethics Officer, and other outside attorneys. Drafts and/or reviews ordinances and resolutions, contracts, purchases, and all Village Board agenda items. Performs legal research on various issues, prepares opinions and memos, drafts and reviews contracts, and drafts and reviews Village policies.

●       Negotiates and closes real estate transactions, clears title, drafts contracts, deeds, easements, covenants, leases, and other real estate documents, and is responsible for all Village real estate tax matters, including exemptions and Certificates of Errors.

●       Assists in the interpretation and application of Village Code, including license and permit procedures; recommends amendments as necessary. Consults with outside counsel on zoning and litigation matters.

●       Maintains knowledge of current federal, state, and local laws affecting local government.

●       Coordinates various work teams by reviewing, recommending, and implementing improved policies and procedures, including managing FOIA, liquor license administration, and other duties as assigned.

●       Coordinates the defense of general liability, public official liability, and policy liability action claims through the Municipal Insurance Cooperative Agency (MICA) and assists in managing all Risk Management functions.

●       Assists Human Resources and Administration in guiding the work of the consulting labor and employment attorneys.

●       Recommends the Legal Department budget and supervises the professional and clerical staff.

●       Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and staff; acts to promote a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

●       Attends Village Board and Commission meetings.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates applying for this position must possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and must be admitted to the Illinois Bar. Candidates should have a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in local government practice, with at least five (5) years of supervisory experience.

Qualified candidates must possess a license to practice law in the State of Illinois and an Illinois Driver’s License and will also hold active admission to the Illinois Bar, with additional preference given to those with admission to the Federal Trial Bar.

Candidates must possess a solid understanding of local government law, including land use, zoning regulations, and employment law, as well as expertise in state, federal, and local laws, particularly in local government law and Illinois municipal law. Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act, Open Meetings Act, and Robert’s Rules of Order is required, along with familiarity with equal protection, due process, and civil rights. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate proficiency in local government mission and operations, budget development and administration, relevant employment laws, codes, and regulations, as well as computer applications and records management principles.

The successful candidate will excel in developing and implementing goals, policies, and procedures, possess strong legal research skills, and be able to interpret and implement policies effectively. They should also have the ability to build effective work teams, motivate individuals, and provide exceptional customer service. Strong skills in interpreting complex laws, preparing reports, and collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds are essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively orally with various groups.

SALARY/BENEFITS:

This is a full-time, exempt position with full benefits and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a defined benefit retirement plan. Our comprehensive benefits package also includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life/AD&D coverage, flexible spending, transit, a 457 deferred compensation plan, paid time off, a wellness incentive program, and tuition reimbursement. The salary range for this position is $149,799 to $209,718, with an anticipated starting salary of +/- $185,000 depending on qualifications.

The general work hours are M-F, 8 am-4:30 pm, plus night meetings as necessary.

HOW TO APPLY:

1.       Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and employment application (please visit the job opportunities website to download at www.glenellyn.org/Jobs.aspx) to applicants@glenellyn.org. Hard copies (faxed, mailed, hand-delivered) of resumes will be declined.

2.       Applicants must indicate (Job ID: #16-24 Village Attorney) in the subject line of their e-mail.

3.       The selected finalist will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal background check, a reference check successfully, and a post-offer medical physical with a drug screening.

4.       Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. To be considered for the first round of interviews, applications must be received by April 8, 2024, at 5:00 pm. The position is open until filled.

Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Human Resources at 630-469-5000.

THE VILLAGE OF GLEN ELLYN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

www.glenellyn.org

For more information, contact:

Kathryn
applicants@glenellyn.org