Education Law Generalist with a Charter Focus

Illinois State Board of Education; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois State Board of Education in Springfield or Chicago seeks an Education Law Generalist with a Charter Focus to provide legal counsel on charter schools and school code matters.

Reporting to the Director of Legal Counsel, the Assistant Legal Counsel will draft opinions, review certifications, and guide policy decisions while coordinating with agency leadership and school administrators.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school; transcripts required.
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois; transcripts required.
• Knowledge of Illinois school code and charter school operations.
• Ability to read, synthesize and communicate information relating to complex laws.
• Proficient in public speaking and communication.
• Ability to direct and organize large projects.
• Ability to multitask.

Responsibilities

• Review matters concerning interpretation of the Illinois School Code and general law.
• Provide legal advice to the State Board of Education and agency leadership.
• Serve as primary legal contact for charter schools, including certification and authorization.
• Draft and review charter school documents and operation documents.
• Provide policy guidance and strategic decision making.
• Draft decisions and legal opinions for the Agency.
• Provide technical assistance to school administrators and other constituents as appropriate.
• Communicate with attorneys and stakeholders and agency personnel.
• Review legislation and rules; communicate Agency opinions.
• Oversee relevant litigation and admin proceedings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Multitasking

Project management

Legal analysis

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Illinois bar license

Job description

Education Law Generalist with a Charter Focus (Assistant Legal Counsel #1650)

Inventory #

1650

Location

Springfield or Chicago

Union

Exempt

Department

Legal

Anticipated Starting Salary Range

$87,132.1 - $108,915.12

Full Salary Range

$87,132.1 - $130,698.14

Office Hours

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Posted Date

October 8, 2026

Closing Date

Reporting to the Director of Legal Counsel, will review matters concerning the interpretation of the Illinois School Code and general law. This position provides legal advice and counsel to the members of the State Board of Education, State Supt., Chief Legal Officer and Agency Management in general education law matters. The Assistant Legal Counsel will be a primary legal contact for charter schools, including charter issues relating to certification, authorization, general charter issues and best practice.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Researches applicable law, regulations and non-regulatory guidance and performs legal analysis.
• Drafts communication and memoranda on matters impacting school districts, regional offices of education, charter schools, alternative schools, nonpublic programs and programs receiving public funds.
• Drafts and reviews authorization and certification documents for charter schools.
• Drafts and reviews other necessary documentation for operation of charter schools.
  
• Provides legal and program guidance in developing policy and strategic decision making.
• Drafts decisions and legal opinions for the Agency.
• Provides technical assistance to school administrators and other constituents as appropriate.
• Communicates with attorneys, employees of other government agencies/legislative office, constituents, stakeholders and internal agency personnel.
• Reviews and drafts legislation and rules.
• Communicates Agency opinion on legislation and rule.
• Oversees relevant litigation and admin proceedings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Knowledge of school code and charter school operations in Illinois, either through coursework or experience.
• Knowledge of administrative code implementing the school code and relevant portions of the United States Code and United States Code of Federal Regulations.
• Ability to read, synthesize and communicate information relating to complex laws and rules.
• Ability to work maintain records, prepare reports and correspondence relating to the work.
  
• Proficient in public speaking and communication.
• Ability to direct and organize large projects.
• Ability in multitasking.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience in charter-related work.