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 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.

Position Overview

The Office of General Counsel is seeking to hire a dynamic, collaborative, detail-oriented licensed attorney in Illinois to serve as an Assistant General Counsel for Labor & Employment.  This position will report to the Deputy General Counsel for Labor & Employment.  Subject to management approval, the Assistant General Counsel will independently advise leadership in the Office of Labor Relations and Office of Human Resources, as well as managers agency-wide, on the full range of labor and employment issues facing the Department of Human Services.  The Assistant General Counsel will provide guidance on issues such as employee discipline, interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, accommodations, leaves of absence, wage and hour laws, compensation, benefits, immigration, litigation, and risk management.  The Assistant General Counsel will serve as a liaison with the Office of the Attorney General on litigation matters and will represent the Department of Human Services before administrative tribunals within the State of Illinois on labor and employment matters.

Essential Functions

• As an Assistant General Counsel, provides legal advice and counsel to the Department of Human Services on all labor and employment matters.
• Represents the Department of Human Services before the Civil Service Commission in rules violation proceedings.
• Conducts complex legal research regarding legal issues in labor and employment law which affect the Department of Human Services as assigned by the Deputy General Counsel for Labor & Employment, Chief Deputy General Counsels, and/or General Counsel.
• Analyzes, drafts, and reviews proposed legislation, rules, and policies for the Office of Human Resources and Office of Labor Relations.
• Reviews subpoenas, search warrants, and other requests for information received by the Office of Human Resources or Office of Labor Relations.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Requires three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the practice of law as a licensed attorney.
• Requires possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional experience litigating or advising clients on labor and employment matters.
• Three (3) years of professional experience as a licensed attorney advising clients on legal matters related to reasonable accommodation and/or leaves of absence.
• Three (3) years of professional experience as a licensed attorney litigating matters before courts or administrative tribunals.
• Three (3) years of professional experience as a licensed attorney providing legal advice to management in a governmental, social services, healthcare, or educational organization.
• Three (3) years of professional experience as a licensed attorney responding to subpoenas, search warrants, or requests for information from government agencies.
• Three (3) years of professional experience as a licensed attorney working on immigration matters for employers.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties.
• Requires the ability to work overtime.
• 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 are required to file a Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

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