Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is seeking a professional Technical Advisor II attorney to join our growing legal team. The professional selected for this position will serve in a liaison capacity and work with other agency, facility, and outside professionals on matters such as labor relations, employment practices, and various individual in custody litigation issues which often have a crucial impact on the agency. Additionally, this position will perform special field investigations as needed and recommend and assist in drafting legislation and administrative rules and regulations concerning the Department of Corrections. If interested in this rewarding opportunity, please apply according to the instructions listed on the posting. We invite all attorneys interested in meaningful legal work to apply! 

Job Responsibilities

1. Serves in a liaison capacity with private attorneys, community legal groups, and other agencies, and conducts legal research and provides input to internal staff involving moderately difficult issues.
2. Performs specialized research and review of data to determine statutory compliance within IDOC.
3. Conducts necessary technical research and investigation into a wide range of legal issues and prepares detailed reports accordingly.
4. Reviews and interprets existing administrative rules and statutes. 
5. Recommends and assists in drafting intergovernmental agreements and memorandums of understanding, leases and real property agreements, legislation and regulations, and general transactional documents concerning the Department of Corrections. 
6. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. 

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prefers at least two (2) years of civil litigation experience handling federal, state, or administrative proceedings. 
2. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience drafting legal memoranda, briefs, or pleadings. 
3. Prefers at least two (2) of professional experience working with laws, policies, or regulations for a corrections agency. 
4. Prefers at least one (1) year of experience developing litigation strategy, settlement and appeal posture in designated significant civil actions. 
5. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience conducting legal research. 
6. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience working in a large agency or organization (500 or more employees). 
7. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience in handling constitutional or administrative law. 
8. Prefers at least two (2) years of professional experience working with legislation. 
9. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience utilizing Microsoft software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, or similar software products.

Conditions of Employment

1. Required to maintain active licensure by the State of Illinois to practice law. 
2. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. 
3. Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. 
4. Requires use of agency-supplied equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.). 
5. 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. 
6. Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check. 
7. Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited. 

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

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included.

Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression.

The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization.

Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off, and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. 

The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.