DOC Legal Services Deputy Chief of Legal Counsel

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as a senior supervisor providing strategic leadership and oversight of legal and operational programs supporting Chicago and regional offices. Assigns and reviews work, establishes goals, manages performance, resolves first-level grievances, and recommends discipline up to discharge while ensuring daily operations run efficiently. Provides legal guidance and consultation, coordinates with Attorneys and Assistant Attorneys General, and directs strategy related to litigation, personnel matters, and correctional system issues. Develops and implements policies, manages liaison assignments, reviews requests for legal opinions, and monitors case progress to ensure timely, professional completion. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring strong judgment, operational command, legal acumen, and the ability to drive accountability across a distributed team environment.

Requirements

Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience performing legal work as a licensed attorney in a public or business organization.
Requires a law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
Requires the possession of a license to practice law in the State of Illinois.
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.
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 civil litigation experience handling federal, state, or administrative proceedings.
Prefers at least four (4) years of experience drafting legal memoranda, briefs, or pleadings.
Prefers at least two (2) of professional experience working with laws, policies, or regulations for a corrections agency.
Prefers at least two (2) years of experience managing attorneys and support staff.
Prefers at least two (2) years of experience developing litigation strategy, settlement, and appeal posture in designated significant civil actions.
Prefers at least four (4) years of experience conducting legal research.
Prefers at least two (2) years of experience working in a large agency or organization.
Prefers at least two (2) years of experience in handling constitutional or administrative law.
Prefers at least two (2) years of professional experience working with laws, policies, or regulations for a corrections agency.
Prefers at least two (2) years of experience utilizing Microsoft software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, or similar software products.

Responsibilities

Serves as a full-line supervisor.
Coordinates the functions of the Chicago and regional/district offices.
Confers with Attorney, Assistant Attorney General, Assistant State's attorneys regarding program/legal representation.
Serves on the Settlement Review Committee reviewing settlement offers assessing litigation risks in personnel cases and making recommendations to the Director.
Reviews incoming correspondence, including cases requested for legal opinions and delegates to staff.
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