Litigation Staff Attorney II

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

1d•$6,820 - $9,875•Hybrid

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.

Requirements

Requires graduation from a recognized law school.
Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.

Nice To Haves

Four (4) years’ experience as lead counsel in bench and/or jury trials providing direct client representation and services.
Four (4) years in drafting, filing, arguing and defending petitions and motions.
Two (2) years of experience with relevant administrative, statutory and case law reference at administrative, trial and appellate levels.
Four (4) years of advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Lexis Nexus, Westlaw or other legal research platforms, Zoom, and WebEx.
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.
Three (3) years’ experience in technical research and writing detailed reports.
Two (2) years reviewing medical records, interviewing and preparing witnesses for trial, interviewing expert witnesses, 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.
Two (2) years experience in preparing for and conducting trials on a weekly basis.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the enhanced ability to adjust the level of communication to the target audience.

Responsibilities

Performs direct client services arising from defending mental health commitment and treatment cases in a litigation forward position.
Explains legal rights to eligible disabled or mental health clients, via telephone, Zoom or in person at mental health facilities.
Coordinates and disseminates information to service providers, community groups, professional associations and recipients of mental health services concerning legal representation for individuals with disabilities.
Manages mental health appellate briefs. Conducts 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.