Senior Regional Counsel

State of Illinois; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Illinois, Department of Children and Family Services, is seeking a Senior Regional Counsel to represent the department in juvenile court hearings and provide technical legal advice for administrative hearings. The role includes supervising a junior attorney or paralegal and coordinating with regional staff, judiciary, and State’s Attorney’s Offices.

Responsibilities include directing legal screening, case consultations, and trial readiness for termination of parental rights cases,

Qualifications

• Licensed Illinois attorney with at least 3 years of legal practice.
• Experience in child welfare or juvenile law preferred.
• Experience presenting and arguing cases in court or administrative hearings may be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Department in juvenile court hearings.
• Provide technical advice and counsel for administrative “fair hearings.”
• Supervise a subordinate attorney or paralegal.
• Direct legal screening, case consultation, and trial readiness for TPR proceedings.
• Liaise with judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and other court personnel.
• Maintain current knowledge of legislation, rules, policy, and relevant law.

Skills

Child welfare/juvenile law

Legal writing

Courtroom experience

Legal analysis

Job description

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. The role represents the Department in juvenile court hearings, provides technical advice and counsel for administrative “fair hearings,” and supervises a subordinate attorney or paralegal.

Essential Functions

• Serve as Senior Regional Counsel
• Interview Department witnesses
• Evaluate cases involving the Department in court or expunction processes
• Act as legal advisor to regional field staff
• Plan, direct, and conduct technical legal screening and provide case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors, preparing cases for termination of parental rights (TPR) and determining trial readiness for TPR
• Act as Department liaison to judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and other court personnel
• Maintain current working knowledge of legislation, Department rules, policy, and relevant law
• Perform other duties reasonably within scope of enumerated duties

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Illinois law license
• Three years of legal practice experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as an attorney in child welfare or juvenile law
• Experience presenting and arguing cases in court or administrative hearings
• Experience conducting legal analysis
• Substantive legal writing experience (motions, pleadings, briefs, memoranda)
• Professional liaison experience with internal and external entities
• Knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules impacting juvenile court proceedings or DCFS administrative hearings

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a background check
• Must be able to travel and hold a valid driver’s license
• Subject to revolving door restrictions under 5 ILCS 430/5‑45
• Must file a Statement of Economic Interest and supplemental statement as required by the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act
• Additional conditions applicable to job duties

Benefits

• A pension program
• Competitive group insurance (health, life, dental, vision)
• 3 paid personal business days annually
• 12 paid sick days annually (carry over)
• 10–25 days paid vacation (10 days year one, 12–25 depends on years of service)
• 13 paid holidays annually (14 on even years)
• Flexible work schedules when available
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Deferred compensation program (supplemental retirement plan)
• Optional pre‑tax programs (MCAP, DCAP)
• Federal public service loan forgiveness eligibility
• GI Bill training/apprenticeship benefits for qualifying veterans
• 5% salary differential for bilingual positions
• Commuter savings program (Chicago only)

Work Hours and Location

Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

4 W Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62701