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Employment Opportunities | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

General Counsel

Vacancy Announcement

  • Location
    Springfield, IL
  • Office
    Office of Statewide Pretrial Services, Director’s Office
  • Posted Date
    11/08/23
  • Closing Date
    This position will remain open until filled. However, those individuals submitting materials by November 18, 2023 will be given first consideration.
  • Benefits
    An attractive judicial branch benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as deferred compensation and generous leave time.
  • Salary
    Minimum $100,084; starting salary commensurate with experience

The Office of Statewide Pretrial Services’ (OSPS or Office) mission is to assist in the administration of justice and promote community safety by ensuring fairness and equality in the pretrial process. The OSPS is a statewide office that provides pretrial services under the Pretrial Services Act, 725 ILCS 185. The Office develops pretrial standards and employs pretrial service officers who conduct pretrial investigations and provide pretrial supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The General Counsel is a senior level position responsible for advising the Office of Statewide Pretrial Services (OSPS) on legal issues related to pretrial matters, criminal procedure, and employment law. The General Counsel interprets state and federal law and conducts investigations of employee conduct, working with considerable independence and exercising professional judgment under the general supervision of the Chief of Staff.

FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

  • Serves as the General Counsel for the Office of State of Statewide Pretrial Services by providing legal advice and counsel on all matter related to the operation of the office, including criminal procedure, contracts, procurement, and employment issues.
  • Reviews pending legislation and prepares legal memorandum outlining the impact, operationally and fiscally, of proposed bills.
  • Drafts amendments to the Pretrial Services Act and other statutes, as directed.
  • Reviews pretrial standards and practices to determine compliance with state and federal legislation and case law.
  • Reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and regulations.
  • Responds to external requests for employment related information, including to responding the Illinois Department of Human Rights, Illinois Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Conducts investigations into allegations of employee misconduct, including developing an investigation plan, identifying necessary parties to interview and investigation questions.
  • Prepares written findings of investigations, including preparing exhibits and preserving evidence.
  • Provides legal counsel on human resource related issues such as employee discipline, the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), State of Illinois Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, workers’ compensation, leave, benefits, and other employee related issues.
  • Reviews grant applications, notices of funding opportunities, grant agreements, procurement documents, contracts, and leases for OSPS.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications:

  1. A Juris Doctorate Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
  2. Five years in the practice of law.  
  3. Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
  4. Effective oral and written communication skills.
  5. A valid Illinois driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance to operate a personal vehicle on state business, as well as maintain a safe driving record.
  6. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Seven years in the practice of law.
  2. Five years of experience with employment law or labor relations.
  3. Five years of experience with legal research and writing.
  4. Two years of experience drafting, researching or analyzing legislation.
  5. Two years of experience with criminal procedure in Illinois or federal courts.
  6. One year of experience with preparing and/or delivering training on statutory or regulatory provisions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to sit for extended time periods.
  • Professional office working environment requiring telephone usage and ability to process written documents.
  • Ability to travel, mostly within Illinois, including overnight stays, as required.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested individuals should submit a resume and cover letter through the form below.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/9c963444a4da42dea5d099b16fdae823

This position will remain open until filled. However, those individuals submitting materials by November 18, 2023 will be given first consideration.

Any questions about this position or the application process can also be submitted via email at the following address: pretrialservices@illinoiscourts.gov .

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