Litigation Staff Attorney II

State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 76,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Pension Plan

Paid sick days

Paid vacation days

Paid personal days

State holidays

Job summary

Guardianship and Advocacy Commission in Chicago seeks a TECHNICAL ADVISOR II to defend mental health commitment and treatment cases. Responsibilities include drafting motions, reviewing medical records, preparing clients, interviewing witnesses, and conducting legal research.

Regular hearings and trials (Zoom/in-person) are expected. The role requires proficiency with Zoom, Microsoft Office, and case management software, with a standard 8:30am-5:00pm schedule and possible on-site required

Qualifications

• Graduation from a recognized law school.
• Illinois license to practice law is required.

Responsibilities

• Defend mental health commitment and treatment cases in a litigation-forward role.
• Draft motions and prepare clients for hearings or trials.
• Review medical records, interview witnesses, and conduct legal research.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Public speaking

Legal research

Trial preparation

Litigation strategy

Interviews & witness prep

Case management software

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Illinois bar license

Tools

Zoom

Microsoft Office

Lexis/Nexis or Westlaw

Job description

Job Requisition ID:58699
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 09/25/2026
Agency: Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
Class Title:TECHNICAL ADVISOR II - 45252
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,820 monthly; Full range $6,820-$9,875
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code:RC010 Professional Legal Unit, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
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: 160 N Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60601
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: [e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Position Overview:

This is a litigation-focused role defending mental health commitment and treatment cases. Key responsibilities include drafting motions, reviewing medical records, preparing clients, interviewing witnesses, and conducting legal research. The position requires regular attendance at hearings, trials (via Zoom and in-person), and case management dockets. Proficiency with Zoom (including using exhibits), Microsoft Office, and case management software is essential.

• Monday-Friday schedule
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid Parental leave
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
• Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually
• (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service)
• Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date)
• (13-14) paid state holidays annually

Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process.

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.

Essential Functions

• Performs direct client services arising from defending mental health commitment and treatment cases in a litigation forward position.
• Explains legal rights to eligible disabled or mental health clients, via telephone, Zoom or in person at mental health facilities.
• Coordinates and disseminates information to service providers, community groups, professional associations and recipients of mental health services concerning legal representation for individuals with disabilities.
• Manages mental health appellate briefs. Conducts technical research, compiling data, and drafting detailed findings.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires graduation from a recognized law school.
• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years’ experience as lead counsel in bench and/or jury trials providing direct client representation and services.
• Four (4) years of experience in drafting written arguments in support of and/or opposition to petitions and motions.
• Two (2) years of experience researching, interpreting, analyzing and applying relevant administrative law, statutes, regulations, and/or case law in matters at the administrative, trial and/or appellate levels.
• Four (4) years of advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Lexis Nexus, Westlaw or other legal research platforms, Zoom, and WebEx.
• Three (3) years of experience preparing for and conducting hearings and/or trials, including presenting argument at motion hearings; interpreting applicable rules, regulations, statutes, and case law; and developing or recommending solutions to administrative and/or legal issues.
• Three (3) years’ experience in technical research and writing detailed reports.
• Two (2) years reviewing medical records, interviewing and preparing witnesses for trial, interviewing expert witnesses, interviewing lay witnesses.
• Two (2) years in public speaking and educational training, including, coordinating and disseminating of information to service providers, community groups, and professional associations concerning legal representation of persons with disabilities and or recipients of mental health services.
• Two (2) years experience in preparing for and conducting trials on a weekly basis.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the enhanced ability to adjust the level of communication to the target audience.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• 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.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

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

About the Agency

Created in 1979, the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission protects the rights and promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities. A board of 11 commissioners, who serve without compensation, govern the agency. The Commission is an executive state agency created to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. By providing legal representation, investigating complaints of rights violations, and providing state guardianship for Illinois’ population with disabilities, the Commission has given a voice to those who have previously gone unheard.

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