Paralegal - Litigation/Implementation Research Assistant

State of Illinois•Springfield, MO

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Agriculture is hiring a Paralegal to support its Bureau of Legal Services and attorneys with litigation, policy development, legal research, and operational changes related to evolving laws, audits, and court actions. The role includes tracking cases, managing records, reviewing and preparing documents, and working with program areas to assess legal and operational impacts. Training and support will be provided. The position is primarily office-based, with limited remote work opportunities after successful completion of the probationary period, subject to operational needs. Under general supervision of a licensed attorney, the Paralegal provides general paralegal support services, coordinates and monitors litigation matters, and researches policies, operations, practices, and procedures related to implementing new administrative rules, programs, and policies. The employee presents research findings to attorneys and upper-level management, plans and executes research projects as directed, and provides backup support for the IDOA contract routing process. Other duties reasonably within the scope of the position may be assigned. The role is based at 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, Illinois. Work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The anticipated hybrid schedule is three to five days per week in the office, depending on operational needs. The position requires a name-based background screening and criminal-history self-disclosure, travel in the performance of duties, a valid driver's license, and attendance at relevant seminars, conferences, and trainings.

Requirements

Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, with coursework in legal, pre-legal, English, statistics, or directly related areas.
Complete a name-based background screening and self-disclose criminal history.
Ability to travel in the performance of duties.
Appropriate, valid driver's license.
Ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings relevant to the job duties.

Nice To Haves

Two years of work experience as a paralegal or other legal support professional, including legal research, document review, and document drafting.
Two years of work experience in legal writing, including drafting legal documents and legal memos and using template documents.
Two years of work experience using Lexis+ or similar legal research software.
Two years of work experience reviewing reports or documents, judging whether they are accurate and complete, making appropriate corrections, and identifying when research may be needed.
Two years of work experience reviewing multiple documents and narratives and preparing concise, accurate summaries of facts and legal issues.
Strong Microsoft Word skills, including use of Track Changes.
Detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated approach; ability to independently manage priorities, follow written guidance, develop new processes, and communicate effectively in a collaborative small-team environment.

Responsibilities

Provide general paralegal support services to the Bureau of Legal Services under the general supervision of a licensed attorney.
Coordinate, prepare, and monitor litigation matters.
Research policies, operations, practices, and procedures related to implementing newly established administrative rules, programs, and policies.
Present research findings to attorneys and upper-level management.
Plan, coordinate, and execute research projects as directed by management.
Provide backup services for the IDOA contract routing process.
Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the listed duties.