SENIOR ASST. CHIEF COUNSEL-CHICAGO REGION

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire a Senior Assistant Chief Counsel – Chicago. The successful candidate will, under general direction of the Deputy Chief Counsel (Chicago), provide technical advice and legal policy determinations on legal matters relating to transportation. The incumbent serves as supervisor lead worker for assistant chief counsels and paralegal and in the absence of the Deputy Chief Counsel may be assigned the duties and responsibilities of that position. This position provides consultation and policy development or implementation for complex legal questions and problems related to IDOT functions, programs, and policies. The incumbent represents the department as Special Assistant Attorney General, by appointment, in legal or administrative proceedings. The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. They are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of their commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. The team fosters a culture of inclusivity, values diversity, and holds itself to the highest ethical standards, collaborating with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs. The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities.

Requirements

Requires graduation from a recognized law school and possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
Requires prior experience equivalent to four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law with extensive knowledge of the Illinois legislative and rulemaking process.
Requires thorough knowledge of common law and federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the department’s programs.
Successful completion of a background screening.
Frequent statewide travel and occasional out-of-state travel, which may include overnight stays.
Requires a valid driver’s license.
This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest.
The employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

Responsibilities

Serves as counsel and legal advisor for all offices in the department, with primary responsibility to the Office of Highways Project Implementation.
Addresses issues related to the Office of Intermodal Project Implementation (OIPI) and Office of Planning and Programming and corresponding matters with the Office of Business and Workforce Diversity.
Coordinates comprehensive review of legal issues with other departmental attorneys and with outside counsel.
Represents the department as Special Assistant Attorney General, by appointment, in legal or administrative proceedings.
Determines agency policy on specific areas of assignment.
Travels throughout the state.
Develops and implements statewide policies based on review of issues related to transportation.
Provides interpretation of department policies.
Proposes, drafts, reviews, and revises new policies and interpretations.
Acts as liaison with decision-making authority over legal matters concerning exceptions discovered as a result of audits of contracts and contract expenditures.
Prepares information and documents for legal work for the department, including but not limited to, contract strategy; preparation; review; negotiation; general counseling; legal research; cost- effective handling; mitigation of litigation and claims; general legal and statutory compliance; and determination of settlements with the Chief Counsel, Deputy Chief Counsel - Chicago, Office of the Governor, Office of the Attorney General, and outside counsel.
Analyzes statutes and drafts rules, regulations, and interpretations pertaining to department’s programs, policies, and procedures.
Advises management and staff regarding rules, regulations, and interpretations in relation to department programs, policies, and procedures.
Serves as supervisor to assistant chief counsels and paralegal.
Assigns and reviews work.
Approves time off.
Provides guidance and training.
Completes performance evaluations.
Provides input to the Deputy Chief Counsel - Chicago on staff performance and training.
Assists the Chief Counsel and Deputy Chief Counsel in the preparation of legislation and representation on behalf of the department in legislative or administrative proceedings, which includes appearing on behalf of the department.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Benefits

Monday-Friday work schedule
Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
Pension Plan
(12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
(13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources