DOC Legal Services Attorney

State of Illinois • Springfield, MO

6d • 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 acts and specialized statutes; coordinates specialized legal matters with the Office of the Attorney General in state and federal court; and conducts technical legal research for Department administrative officials.

The position is based at IDOC headquarters in Springfield, Illinois, with an anticipated hybrid schedule of one to five days per week in the office, depending on operational needs. Normal hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with weekends off. Overtime may be required, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. Travel, including overnight stays as appropriate, is required. The position requires an active Illinois law license and three years of professional legal experience.

This is a union position subject to the applicable collective bargaining agreement. The State of Illinois offers benefits including insurance, retirement and deferred compensation programs, paid leave, and training and career advancement opportunities.

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 work overtime when required, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime.
• Be able to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check and drug screen.
• Use agency-supplied equipment, including a mobile phone and laptop.
• Attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on topics relevant to the job duties.
• Use digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes to support Department operations and digital transformation efforts.
• 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 on operational, regulatory, compliance, and risk-management issues.
• Interpret complex acts and specialized related statutes affecting or directly related to the Department of Corrections.
• Coordinate specialized legal matters with the Office of the Attorney General filed in state and federal court.
• Consult with and advise Department personnel, wardens, facility administrators, and correctional staff concerning 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 duties.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan and pension
• Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefit programs
• Paid state holidays
• Paid personal business days
• Paid sick days
• Paid vacation time
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
• Flexible work schedules, including flexible time and hybrid options in some program areas
• Training and career advancement opportunities
• Full 20-year retirement awards including free health insurance during retirement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed