Senior Regional Counsel

State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 105,886 - 121,644; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension program

Health, Life, Dental and Vision

Paid time off

Job summary

The State of Illinois, Department of Children and Family Services seeks a Senior Regional Counsel in Cook County to represent the department in court and hearings, advise staff, and lead legal initiatives. This salaried role requires strong organizational and leadership skills to support child welfare services.

The position offers a competitive benefits package, pension, and opportunities to influence important child welfare outcomes across Illinois.

Qualifications

• Requires license to practice law in Illinois.
• Minimum three years of attorney experience in court or administrative hearings.
• Experience in child welfare or juvenile law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Senior Regional Counsel for the Department.
• Provide legal advice to staff across divisions.
• Represent the Department at administrative hearings and in court.
• Keep current knowledge of relevant laws, rules, and policies.
• Provide legal training to administrators and staff.

Skills

Illinois license

Court appearances

Child welfare law

Legal research

Litigation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Job Requisition ID:57487
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date:08/25/2026
Agency:Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title:PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015
Skill Option:Special License - Illinois Law License
Bilingual Option:None
Salary:Anticipated Starting Salary $9,488 - $10,900/month
Job Type:Salaried
Category:Full Time
County:Cook
Number of Vacancies:1
Bargaining Unit Code:None
Merit Comp Code:Gubernatorial (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC010 Collective Bargaining Coverage

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.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results-oriented individual to serve as Senior Regional Counsel. This position will represent the Department in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The position will also provide legal advice and counsel to professional staff in various divisions of the Department and will represent the Department in various civil and administrative hearings. This position is a great opportunity for anyone who would like to use their skills as an attorney to benefit child welfare services. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent legal and organizational skills and strong leadership capabilities. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join our innovative team to help make a difference in the lives of children and families.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a Senior Regional Counsel
• Provides legal advice and counsel to professional staff in various divisions of the Department
• Serves as Department representative at all levels of administrative “fair hearings”
• Maintains current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and all relevant law
• Provides legal training to Department administrators, supervisors, and staff on various topics including testifying in court
• 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 years of experience as an attorney presenting and arguing cases in court and/or administrative hearings
• Requires experience as an attorney in cases involving child welfare or juvenile law

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules that have a substantial impact on Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS’s administrative hearings
• Substantive legal writing experience as an attorney in the areas of motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda
• Professional experience working in a liaison capacity with various internal and external entities

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires the ability to pass a background check

2. Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to travel

3. 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

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus. The Office of Legal Services works in a supportive capacity to ensure Departmental adherence to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and court orders.

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

• A Pension Program
• 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)
  • Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time 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
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link:https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Work Location:2245 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60612
Agency Contact:Michael Bernardy

[e-mail] (for questions only)

Posting Group:Legal, Audit & Compliance

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 during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall,prior to accepting any such 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.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• [e-mail]

• [e-mail]

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.