DOC Legal Services - Staff Attorney

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is seeking a motivated and collaborative attorney to join our growing legal team. This position will represent the Department in all matters related to legislation, environmental health and safety and other regulatory matters, and work with other agencies or entities regarding regulatory compliance and/or litigation. The ideal candidate will be an attorney seeking a fast-paced position. We invite all attorneys interested in meaningful legal work to apply!

Requirements

Requires possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
Requires three (3) years’ professional experience in the practice of law.
Requires possession of a current, active license to practice law in the State of Illinois.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime.
Requires use of agency-supplied equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.).
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.
Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department.
Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.

Nice To Haves

Prefers at least four (4) years of professional litigation experience handling federal, state, or administrative proceedings.
Prefers at least four (4) years of professional experience drafting legal memoranda, briefs, or pleadings.
Prefers at least four (4) of professional experience working with laws, policies, or regulations for a correctional or law enforcement agency.
Prefers at least four (4) years of professional experience managing attorneys and support staff.
Prefers at least four (4) years of professional experience conducting legal research.
Prefers at least two (2) years of professional experience working in a large agency or organization (500 or more employees).
Prefers at least four (4) years of professional experience in handling constitutional or administrative law.
Prefers at least four (4) years of professional experience working with legislation.
Prefers at least two (2) years of experience utilizing Microsoft software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, or similar software products.

Responsibilities

Provides direct legal assistance, counsel, and advisory services to correctional facilities, facility leadership, and Department staff regarding operational, regulatory, compliance, and risk-management issues arising within correctional settings.
Interprets complex acts and specialized related statutes affecting or directly related to the Department of Corrections.
Coordinates specialized legal matters with the Office of the Attorney General filed in state and federal court.
Consults with and advises Department personnel, wardens, facility administrators, and correctional staff concerning facility operations, compliance obligations, and legal risk.
Conducts complex technical research for administrative officials of the Department.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Benefits

Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II
Full 20‐year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement.
Deferred compensation and other pre‐tax benefits programs
Paid state holidays 13‐14 days annually
3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
10‐25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually ‐ (10 days in year one of employment)
Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12‐hour work schedules. (As applicable.)
Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources