Litigation Attorney

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results-oriented individual to serve as Litigation Attorney. Under administrative direction, this position will present evidence on behalf of the Department at administrative hearings and service appeals, including examining and cross-examining witnesses. The position will interview Department witnesses and perform legal research, including reviewing federal and state statutes and local regulations, as well as relevant case law. 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.

Job Responsibilities

• As Litigation Attorney, presents evidence on behalf of the Department at administrative hearings and service appeals, including examining and cross-examining witnesses
• Interviews Department witnesses
• Evaluates cases involving clients where the Department is seeking expunction or indication
• Confers with Department staff, attorneys, clients, and others through personal or telephone contact and correspondence as to the interpretation and application of DCFS policy
• Translates and interprets, both orally and in writing, for Spanish speaking clients regarding services available and the proper completion of forms
• Attends staff meetings and provides input relative to planning issues and staffing
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
• Requires three years of experience in the practice of law
• Requires ability to speak and write Spanish at a colloquial skill level

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers experience as an attorney in cases involving child welfare or juvenile law
• Prefers experience as an attorney presenting and arguing legal cases in court and/or administrative hearings
• Prefers substantive legal writing experience as an attorney in the areas of motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda
• Prefers professional experience working in collaboration with various internal and external entities
• Prefers thorough knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules that have a substantial impact on Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS’s administrative hearings

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass a background check
• Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to travel
• 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.