Legal Advisor I (Attorney)

Illinois Secretary of State • Joliet, IL

18d • $60,000 - $68,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Performs routine legal work in preparation of hearings cases, confers with the general public, witnesses, other attorneys and departmental personnel as it relates to the formal hearing process; serves as hearing representative for the Secretary of State at formal proceedings by presenting the State's case against the petitioner, calling and questioning witnesses and presenting evidence; conducts formal driver’s license hearings; reviews and analyzes formal hearings finding; utilizes a personal computer to prepare formal orders, including findings of facts, conclusions of law and recommendations, which may be up to 10 pages or more each, and which include the entry of Driver's License numbers, driving abstract entries, references to the Illinois Administrative Code and other statutory citations, court decision citations and footnotes, in compliance with statutory time constraints.

Requirements

• Requires extensive knowledge of the common law and of the State and Federal laws relating to administrative and regulatory functions.
• Requires extensive knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedure and of the rules of evidence, hearings, and trial procedures.
• Requires working knowledge of management practices and procedures.
• Requires ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with superiors, other attorneys, employees and the public.
• Requires ability to present material in clear and logical form for oral or written presentation, such as briefs, orders, reports or decisions.
• Requires ability to exercise sound judgement in appraising and evaluating problems of a procedural nature.
• Requires the ability to lift/carry up to 0-10 lbs.
• Requires willingness to travel and possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Requires possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.

Responsibilities

• In preparation of hearings cases, confers with the public, witnesses, other attorneys and departmental personnel as it relates to the formal hearing process; conducts investigations and researches activities to determine facts; answers inquiries regarding legal matters pertaining to the administrative hearings process.
• Serves as hearing representative for the Secretary of State at formal proceedings by presenting the State's case against the petitioner, calling and questioning witnesses and presenting evidence.
• Conducts formal driver’s license hearings, as required under 625 ILCS 5/2 118 Illinois Vehicle Code to recommend disposition of petitioner's request for driving relief; rules on admissibility and relevance of evidence, motions and objections; examines witnesses; determines facts to assess and interpret evidence and testimony considering legal implications, applications of law, rules and policies and the public safety; subpoenas witnesses or documents.
• Reviews and analyzes formal hearing findings, petitioner's driving record and petitioner's eligibility for reinstatement or other driving relief; utilizes keyboard techniques of office automated system to prepare formal orders based on evidence presented at the hearing; submits the formal order for processing within the time standard set by the Department of Administrative Hearings.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree