DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 127,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Bilingual differential

Job summary

The State of Illinois, Department of Human Services, is seeking a Deputy General Counsel for Labor and Employment to provide timely and accurate legal advice to DHS staff on ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and related labor matters. This role requires Illinois licensure and strong management skills.

The position supports a hybrid work schedule with occasional in‑office headquarters presence in Chicago. Applicants should attach a detailed CV to demonstrate relevant experience and credentials.

Qualifications

• Requires a law degree from an ABA‑accredited law school.
• License to practice law in Illinois required.
• Four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Deputy General Counsel for Labor & Employment for the Department of Human Services.
• Provides advisory functions to management on labor relations and personnel issues.
• Serves as a full line supervisor.
• Provides input into policies and procedures related to labor relations, employment law, and personnel matters.
• Assists the General Counsel and Chief Deputy General Counsel in the overall functioning of the Office of General Counsel within the Department of Human Services.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Skills

Law degree

Illinois license to practice law

Administrative experience

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA accredited)

Job description

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DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID: 59274
Opening Date:10/23/2026
Closing Date:11/16/2026
Agency:Department of Human Services
Class Title:SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option:Special License - Illinois Law License
Bilingual Option:None
Salary:Anticipated Salary: $11,434 - $13,166 per month ($137,208 - $157,992 per year)
Job Type:Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies:1
Bargaining Unit Code:None
Merit Comp Code:Term Appointment/ Agency
Work Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm; 1-hour unpaid lunch
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location: 69 W Washington St, Chicago, Illinois, 60602

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Office of General Counsel is seeking to hire a self-motivated, organized, and detailed-oriented individual with a license to practice law in Illinois to serve as the Deputy General Counsel for its Division of Labor and Employment. The Deputy General Counsel will report to the Chief Deputy General Counsel for Operations and is responsible for providing timely and accurate legal advice and counsel on a wide range of legal issues to Department of Human Services (DHS) staff, on issues including, but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act, accommodations, leaves of absence, employee discipline, hiring, and immigration.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Deputy General Counsel for Labor & Employment for the Department of Human Services.
• Serves as a full line supervisor.
• Provides substantial input into the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to labor relations, employment law, and personnel matters.
• Provides advisory functions to management on labor relations/personnel issues.
• Serves as staff attorney to the Offices of Human Resources and Labor Relations.
• Assists the General Counsel and Chief Deputy General Counsel in the overall functioning of the Office of General Counsel within the Department of Human Services.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Requires possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
• Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years of professional legal experience litigating employment matters in federal or state courts, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, the Illinois Civil Service Commission, or the Chicago Commission on Human Relations.
• Four (4) years of professional legal experience providing legal advice to management on labor, employment, employee benefits, and immigration matters.
• Four (4) years of professional legal experience litigating or advising clients on employee accommodations related to disability, pregnancy, religion, or for victims of violent crimes.
• Four (4) years of professional legal experience, litigating or advising clients on the Family and Medical Leave Act, military leaves, or other leaves of absence.
• Four (4) years of professional legal experience litigating or advising clients on matters related to employee discipline, including terminations.
• Three (3) years of professional legal experience litigating or advising clients on compliance with personnel regulations in a merit system.
• Two (2) years of professional experience as a licensed attorney drafting and reviewing employee handbooks and internal labor, personnel, and benefits policies for employers.
• One (1) year of professional experience as a licensed attorney providing legal advice to management for an employer on immigration matters or I-9 compliance.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, 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 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.
• 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 Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file a Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• Requires the ability to work overtime.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.

As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 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)
• Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions

Term Appointment:
Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Human Services’s discretion.

Revolving Door:

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment duringState employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall,prior to accepting any non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the ExecutiveInspector Generalfor the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

Statement of Economic Interest:

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 Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.