Associate General Counsel (Legal Advisor II)

Illinois Secretary of State•Chicago, IL

1d•$6,019 - $12,453•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate General Counsel (Legal Advisor II) serves under the administrative direction of the General Counsel as the primary legal advisor and counsel to the Driver Services Department, Illinois State Archives, and BAIID Division. The role advises directors and administrative or managerial staff on complex legal issues related to the administration, organization, policies, and procedures of these programs. It reviews and advises on current and proposed legislation and administrative rules, conducts legal research, prepares legal memoranda, reports, and opinions, and may testify on legislative matters as directed. The position also handles special cases and investigations, coordinates and evaluates subordinate staff, establishes operational procedures and workflow, and represents the office in dealings with outside entities and professional committees. The position requires an Illinois law license, at least one year of professional legal experience, a valid Illinois driver's license, and extensive travel to Springfield, including overnight stays, especially during the legislative session.

Requirements

Possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
At least one year of professional experience practicing law.
Extensive knowledge of federal and state vehicle codes and driving laws and regulations relating to driver licenses, including CDL licenses, and BAIID regulations.
Extensive knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedure, rules of evidence, hearings, and trial procedures.
Working knowledge of management practices and procedures.
Ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with superiors, attorneys, employees, and the public.
Ability to present material clearly and logically in oral or written form, including briefs, orders, reports, or decisions.
Ability to exercise sound judgment when evaluating procedural problems.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 50 pounds.
Possession of a valid Illinois driver's license.
Ability to travel on occasion; extensive travel to Springfield and overnight stays are required, especially during the legislative session.

Nice To Haves

Legal practice involving regulations, administrative procedures, and laws governing the regulation of driver's licenses.
Experience with matters involving regulation of driver licenses, including CDL licenses.
Knowledge of federal and state laws governing the regulation of driver's licenses.
Experience with the skills listed in the Specific Skills section.

Responsibilities

Serve as primary legal advisor and counsel to the directors on Driver Services Department, Illinois State Archives, and BAIID programs.
Counsel administrative and managerial staff on complex legal matters involving administration, organization, policies, and procedures.
Review current and proposed legislation for legal sufficiency and determine whether administrative rules are needed; advise directors and officials about potential legislative issues.
Revise, modify, and clarify legislation and administrative rules, and prepare, edit, and advise on legal memoranda, reports, and opinions.
Testify on legislative matters as directed.
Conduct or assist with special cases that may have important implications for the relevant divisions; participate in special investigations, review activity reports, and recommend appropriate action.
Confer with attorneys, agencies, departments, legislators, commission and board members, labor organizations, and others about statutory interpretation and compliance.
Conduct in-depth legal research and prepare complex administrative reports recommending disposition for directors' review and approval.
Plan, direct, supervise, coordinate, and evaluate subordinate staff handling legal issues; establish and implement operational procedures and workflow.
Direct or attend staff meetings concerning new or revised legislation, programs, policies, and administrative rules.
Act as liaison with outside entities on complex issues, including immigration and voter registration, and serve on committees of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
Perform other duties as required or assigned.