Legal Counsel

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire legal counsel to be part of the legal team. This position will provide legal assistance on all inquiries including labor law, procurement, personnel, budget, natural resource issues, contracts, grants and other legal matters. It will assist with drafting and reviewing administrative rules and legislation. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources deals with a multitude of issues related to the resources in Illinois including, water resources, state parks, historic sites, invasive species, forestry, law enforcement, mines and minerals, oil and gas, etc. We welcome all interested candidates to apply.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college.
Requires prior experience equivalent to three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the general practice of law.
Requires graduation from a recognized law school.
Requires a license to practice law in the state of Illinois.
Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
Requires appropriate, valid Driver's license.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officals and emplyees file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

Nice To Haves

Thorough knowledge of administrative law and contract law
Thorough knowledge of common law, Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to agency program
Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices, and references utilized in legal research.
Two (2) years experience as an attorney conducting legal research and drafting legal memos on complex legal issues.
Two (2) years of experience as an attorney in drafting proposed legislation, rules, and/or polices.
Two (2) years of working experience in legal matters related to natural resouces, environmental law, land management, real estate, oil and gas, mining, water resources, conservation, criminal or administrative law.

Responsibilities

Conducts legal research related to administrative rules, legislation, grants, human resources labor relations, procurement, personnel and budget matters.
Drafts and Reviews agreements for legal sufficiency.
Represents the Department in referrals to the Illinois Attorney General's Office, including Court of Claims cases.
Advises Department staff on legal issues related to the Department's missions and duties.
Represents the Department in administrative hearings in the administration of the Department's programs implementing its powers and duties.
Assist with the review and processing of requests for documents under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.