DOC Legal Services Attorney

Illinois Department of Corrections; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is seeking a licensed attorney to provide legal assistance, counsel, and advisory services to correctional facilities, facility leadership, and Department staff. The role involves interpreting complex statutes, coordinating with the Office of the Attorney General, and conducting technical legal research for department leadership.

Ideal candidates have strong experience in regulatory and administrative law within corrections or related fields, with a

Qualifications

• Requires possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
• Requires three (3) years professional experience in the practice of law.

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.

Job description

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is seeking a motivated and collaborative attorney to join our growing legal team. This position will provide legal assistance, counsel and advisory services to correctional facilities, facility leadership, and Department staff. In addition, this position will interpret complex acts and specialized related statutes, coordinate specialized legal matters with the Office of the Attorney General, consult with and advise Department personnel, and conduct technical research for administrative officials of the Department. The ideal candidate will be an attorney seeking a fast-paced position. We invite all qualified applicants who are interested in meaningful legal work to apply.

Essential Functions

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
• Requires three (3) years professional experience in the practice of law.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 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 intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Adobe Pro or similar programs.

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included. Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression. The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization. Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.