DOC Legal Services Attorney

State of Illinois•Crest Hill, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is seeking a motivated and collaborative attorney to join our growing legal team. This position will serves as agency counsel in parole revocation proceedings before the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, offer legal advice and technical guidance to Central Office personnel, the Parole Division and facility leadership on matters involving administrative law, contract law, civil rights, and related legal issues, and prepares, reviews, and advises on legal documents and agency responses. The ideal candidate will be an attorney seeking a fast-paced position. We invite all qualified applicants who are interested in meaningful legal work to apply.

Requirements

Requires the possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
Requires three (3) years professional experience in the practice of law.
Requires possession of a current, active license to practice law in the State of Illinois.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime.
Requires use of agency-supplied equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.).
Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.
Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department.

Nice To Haves

Prefers at least three (3) years of civil litigation experience handling federal, state, or administrative proceedings.
Prefers at least two (2) years of experience in criminal law.
Prefers at least three (3) years of experience drafting legal memoranda, briefs, or pleadings.
Prefers at least two (2) years of experience working in a large governmental entity (500 or more employees).
Prefers at least two (2) years of professional experience working with laws, policies, or regulations for a corrections agency.
Prefers at least two (2) years of experience developing litigation strategy, settlement and appeal posture in designated significant civil actions.
Prefers at least three (3) years of experience conducting legal research.
Prefers at least two (2) years of experience in handling constitutional or administrative law.
Prefers at least two (2) years of experience utilizing Microsoft software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, or similar software products.

Responsibilities

Under administrative direction, provides a full range of legal services to assigned state-operated correctional facilities, serves as agency counsel in parole revocation proceedings before the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, offers legal advice and technical guidance to Central Office personnel, the Parole Division and facility leadership on matters involving administrative law, contract law, civil rights, and related legal issues, and prepares, reviews, and advises on legal documents and agency responses.
Interprets complex statutes, administrative rules, and regulations affecting the Department of Corrections and applies such legal analysis to facility operations, providing guidance to assigned correctional facilities on matters involving population management, staff duties, administrative procedures, and compliance with applicable legal requirements.
Coordinates specialized legal matters with the Office of the Attorney General including the handling of litigation in state and federal courts.
Consults with and advises Department administrative staff, attorneys, other agencies, and interested parties regarding their rights, responsibilities and duties of the Department.
Conducts complex technical research for administrative officials of the Department.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Benefits

Flexible work schedule in some program areas (Flex time and Hybrid options)
Health, Life, Vision and Dental Insurance
12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
Pension Plan - Vesting at 10 years for Tier II
Full 20-year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement
Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefits programs
Paid state holidays: 13 - 14 day annually
3 paid Personal Business days annually
12 paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over year to year)
10 - 25 Paid Vacation days annually (10 days beginning at year 1 employment)
Personal, Sick and Vacation rates modified for 12-hour work schedules (As applicable)
Employee Assistance Program and/or Mental Health resources