Senior Regional Counsel

100KCrossing; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 105,886 - 121,644; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Program

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking a Senior Regional Counsel to represent the Department in the Circuit Court of Cook County and to advise staff across divisions on legal matters related to child welfare.

The role requires an active Illinois law license and at least three years of courtroom or administrative hearing experience, including work in child welfare or juvenile law. Travel may be required, and flexible work arrangements are possible where applicable.

Qualifications

• Requires licensed attorney in Illinois.
• Minimum of three years of experience presenting and arguing in court and/or administrative hearings.
• Experience in child welfare or juvenile law is required.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Department in the Circuit Court of Cook County as Senior Regional Counsel.
• Provide legal advice to Department staff across divisions.
• Represent the Department in administrative hearings and fair hearings.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant statutes and Department rules.
• Provide legal training to Department administrators and staff.

Skills

Licensed attorney

3+ years experience

Child welfare experience

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.

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 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

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services 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.

Benefits

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)