DOC Legal Services Attorney

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

7d•$8,559 - $13,214•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Corrections is seeking a motivated, collaborative attorney to provide legal assistance, counsel, and advisory services to correctional facilities, facility leadership, and Department staff. The role addresses operational, regulatory, compliance, and risk-management issues arising in correctional settings; interprets complex statutes affecting the Department; coordinates specialized legal matters with the Office of the Attorney General; advises Department personnel; and conducts technical legal research for Department administrative officials. The position is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, and follows a schedule of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with Saturdays and Sundays off. A hybrid schedule may require one to five days per week in the office depending on operational needs. Travel, including overnight stays as appropriate, and overtime may be required. The role requires an active Illinois law license and three years of professional legal experience.

Requirements

Possess a current, active license to practice law in Illinois.
Have three years of professional experience practicing law.
Be able to travel in the performance of duties, including overnight stays as appropriate.
Be able to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check and a drug screen.
Be able to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings relevant to job duties.
Use agency-supplied equipment, including a mobile phone and laptop.
Utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes to support department digital enhancements.
Abide by employer vaccine and other medical standards.

Nice To Haves

At least four years of civil litigation experience handling federal, state, or administrative proceedings.
At least four years of experience drafting legal memoranda, briefs, or pleadings.
At least four years of professional experience working with laws, policies, or regulations for a correctional or law enforcement agency.
At least four years of professional experience managing attorneys and support staff.
At least four years of professional experience conducting legal research.
At least two years of professional experience working in a large agency or organization with 500 or more employees.
At least four years of professional experience handling constitutional or administrative law.
At least four years of professional experience working with legislation.
Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Adobe Pro or similar programs.

Responsibilities

Provide direct legal assistance, counsel, and advisory services to correctional facilities, facility leadership, and Department staff regarding operational, regulatory, compliance, and risk-management issues.
Interpret complex acts and specialized statutes affecting or directly related to the Department of Corrections.
Coordinate specialized legal matters filed in state and federal court with the Office of the Attorney General.
Consult with and advise Department personnel, wardens, facility administrators, and correctional staff on facility operations, compliance obligations, and legal risk.
Conduct complex technical research for Department administrative officials.
Perform other duties reasonably within the scope of the listed responsibilities.

Benefits

Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
Retirement plan and pension benefits
Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefit programs
Paid state holidays
Paid personal business days
Paid sick days
Paid vacation time
12 weeks of paid maternity/paternity leave
Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
Flexible work schedules in some program areas, including flexible time and hybrid options
Extensive training and career advancement opportunities
Full 20-year retirement awards with free health insurance during retirement