Litigation Staff Attorney II

State of Illinois•Peoria, IL

About The Position

This is a litigation-focused role defending mental health commitment and treatment cases. Key responsibilities include drafting motions, reviewing medical records, preparing clients, interviewing witnesses, and conducting legal research. The position requires regular attendance at hearings, trials (via Zoom and in-person), and case management dockets. Proficiency with Zoom (including using exhibits), Microsoft Office, and case management software is essential. Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission offers a robust benefit package including: Monday-Friday schedule Health, life, vision, and dental insurance Paid Parental leave Pension Plan Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service) Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date) (13-14) paid state holidays annually Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process. Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.Essential Functions This is a litigation-forward position with at least 40% of the role focused on direct client service arising from defending mental health commitment and treatment cases. This role involves explaining legal rights to eligible disabled or mental health clients, either via telephone, Zoom or in person at mental health facilities. This position requires coordinating and disseminating information to service providers, community groups, professional associations, and recipients of mental health services concerning legal representation for individuals with disabilities. The candidate must be willing to be trained to handle mental health appellate briefs. Responsibilities include conducting technical research, compiling data, and drafting detailed findings. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Requirements

Requires graduation from a recognized law school.
Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
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.
Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

Nice To Haves

Prefers four (4) years’ experience as lead counsel in bench and/or jury trials providing direct client representation and services.
Prefers four (4) years in drafting, filing, arguing and defending petitions and motions.
Prefers two (2) years of experience with relevant administrative, statutory and case law reference at administrative, trial and appellate levels.
Prefers four (4) years professional proficiency in Microsoft Office products, Adobe Acrobat, Lexis Nexus, Westlaw or other legal research platforms, Zoom and WebEx.
Prefers three (3) experience in preparing for and conducting weekly motion hearings, interpreting rules, regulations and relevant case law and proposing solutions to administrative and legal questions.
Prefers three (3) years' experience in technical research and writing detailed reports in preparation for and conducting trials weekly.
Prefers two (2) years reviewing medical records, interviewing and preparting witnesses for trial, interviewing expert witnesses, and interviewing lay witnesses.
Two (2) years in public speaking and educational training, including, coordinating and disseminating of information to service providers, community groups, and professional associations concerning legal representation of persons with disabilities and or recipients of mental health services.

Responsibilities

drafting motions
reviewing medical records
preparing clients
interviewing witnesses
conducting legal research
attendance at hearings
attendance at trials (via Zoom and in-person)
attendance at case management dockets
explaining legal rights to eligible disabled or mental health clients, either via telephone, Zoom or in person at mental health facilities
coordinating and disseminating information to service providers, community groups, professional associations, and recipients of mental health services concerning legal representation for individuals with disabilities
be willing to be trained to handle mental health appellate briefs
conducting technical research
compiling data
drafting detailed findings
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.