ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

47d•$8,570 - $10,557•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of General Counsel is seeking a licensed Illinois attorney to serve as Assistant General Counsel for Labor & Employment. The position reports to the Deputy General Counsel for Labor & Employment. Subject to management approval, the Assistant General Counsel independently advises Office of Labor Relations and Office of Human Resources leadership, as well as managers agency-wide, on labor and employment issues affecting the Department of Human Services. Topics include employee discipline, collective bargaining agreement interpretation, accommodations, leaves of absence, wage and hour laws, compensation, benefits, immigration, litigation, and risk management. The role also liaises with the Office of the Attorney General on litigation and represents the Department before Illinois administrative tribunals on labor and employment matters. The position is based at the Department of Human Services headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour unpaid lunch. Hybrid work is available as operational needs require the employee to report to headquarters. The position requires travel and overtime, and the employee must file Statements of Economic Interest.

Requirements

Law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
At least three years of progressively responsible professional experience practicing law as a licensed attorney.
License to practice law in Illinois.
Ability to travel in the performance of duties.
Ability to work overtime.

Nice To Haves

Three years of professional experience litigating or advising clients on labor and employment matters.
Three years of experience as a licensed attorney advising clients on reasonable accommodations and/or leaves of absence.
Three years of experience as a licensed attorney litigating matters before courts or administrative tribunals.
Three years of experience as a licensed attorney providing legal advice to management in a governmental, social services, healthcare, or educational organization.
Three years of experience as a licensed attorney responding to subpoenas, search warrants, or requests for information from government agencies.
Three years of experience as a licensed attorney working on immigration matters for employers.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and counsel to the Department of Human Services on labor and employment matters.
Represent the Department before the Civil Service Commission in rules violation proceedings.
Conduct complex legal research on labor and employment issues affecting the Department, as assigned by the Deputy General Counsel for Labor & Employment, Chief Deputy General Counsels, and/or General Counsel.
Analyze, draft, and review proposed legislation, rules, and policies for the Office of Human Resources and Office of Labor Relations.
Review subpoenas, search warrants, and other requests for information received by the Office of Human Resources or Office of Labor Relations.
Serve as a liaison with the Office of the Attorney General on litigation matters.
Perform other duties as assigned or required within the scope of the position.

Benefits

Pension program
Group health, life, dental, and vision insurance
Three paid personal business days annually
Twelve paid sick days annually, with carryover
Ten to 25 days of paid vacation annually, with 10 days in the first year
Thirteen paid holidays annually, and 14 in even-numbered years
Flexible work schedules when available and dependent on position
Twelve weeks of paid parental leave
Deferred compensation program
Optional pre-tax medical care and dependent care assistance programs
Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Eligibility for GI Bill training/apprenticeship benefits for qualifying veterans
Commuter savings program in Chicago