Associate Legal Counsel - Consumer Protection

Job Requisition ID: 46452
Closing Date: 05/11/2025
​Agency: Illinois Power Agency
Salary: $80,000 - $90,000
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
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Number of Vacancies: 1
 

****A COVER LETTER, RESUME, and WRITING SAMPLE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****

Please attach a Cover Letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position, a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), a WRITING SAMPLE, three professional references, a copy of your transcripts or diploma for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licensures to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. Please note that the Illinois Power Agency must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) before any offer can be extended. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document in lieu of a Resume or CV.

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.

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.

Please Note: The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status). To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

​Work Hours: M-F: 9AM to 5PM
Work Location: 180 N Wabash Ave, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60601
Email: ipa.hr@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance; Environmental & Natural Resources

Illinois Power Agency

Associate Legal Counsel – Consumer Protection

The Illinois Power Agency (“Agency”) is hiring an Associate Legal Counsel – Consumer Protection to join the Consumer Protection team within the Agency’s Legal Bureau. The Associate Legal Counsel – Consumer Protection will work on the Agency’s robust and expanding consumer protection initiatives for the Agency’s solar incentive programs, Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All.

The position combines big-picture public policy discussions with the development of implementation strategies and processes in the administration of renewable incentive programs. The Associate Legal Counsel will work closely with the Deputy Legal Counsel for Consumer Protection, other Consumer Protection team members, other Agency staff, and the Agency’s third-party Program Administrators on a wide range of consumer protection topics.

Responsibilities under this position will primarily focus on work related to consumer protection within State-administered incentive programs but may expand to include other legal and consumer protection assignments as required by the Agency.

The Illinois Power Agency is an independent State Agency created in 2007 to develop annual electricity procurement plans and renewable resources procurement plans and to conduct procurement events to ensure adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electric service for the default supply customers of Illinois electric utilities. The Agency also conducts procurements and administers programs that promote the development of renewable energy resources in accordance with the State Renewable Portfolio Standard. For more information about the Illinois Power Agency, please refer to: https://ipa.illinois.gov/

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the legal team and Agency staff in the design and implementation of consumer protection-related updates and new initiatives, including the development of relevant processes, standards, and requirements.
• Assist the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Legal Counsel for Consumer Protection in the development and litigation of consumer protection content in the biennial revisions to the Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, and/or other future planning processes.
• Support updates to various program requirements and documents, including developing and drafting proposals, administering stakeholder feedback processes, and drafting rationale documents.
• Draft and/or review disciplinary and pre-disciplinary notices and letters related to program violations and appeals and assist in related investigations.
• Assist in the development of compliance plans for participating solar developers that have violated program requirements.
• Review marketing materials, training materials, and compliance documents created by program participants to ensure program requirements are met.
• Develop, review, and update consumer education materials, including webpages, Disclosure Forms, and other resources.
• Identify and assist in developing strategies to address existing and emerging consumer protection issues.
• Assist the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Legal Counsel in researching and formulating guidance on legal issues regarding consumer protection initiatives.
• Participate in Agency-level policy discussions; work directly with Agency management; gather and provide information to the Director and Chief Legal Counsel for review; coordinate with staff and consultants in review and analysis of Agency programs to ensure consumer protection objectives are met.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and membership in good standing with the Illinois bar. The Agency will also consider applications from individuals with pending membership in Illinois bar, or membership in another state bar and willingness to take the Illinois bar exam within 6 months.
• Experience in the energy, environmental, consumer protection, and/or public interest fields.
• Motivated independent worker, comfortable taking the lead on assigned issues.
• Strong legal research, writing (especially persuasive writing), and editing skills.
• Attention to detail, ability to become familiar with technical and complex information on short time frames.
• Strong critical thinking and analytic skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively within a fast-paced, dynamic, and creative environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least two (2) years of experience with renewable energy programs or development, consumer protection, administrative law, or public interest fields.

The Associate Legal Counsel is prohibited from: (i) owning, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the voting capital stock of an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (ii) being in any chain of successive ownership of 5% or more of the voting capital stock of any electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (iii) receiving any form of compensation, fee, payment, or other consideration from an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier, including legal fees, consulting fees, bonuses, or other sums. These limitations do not apply to any compensation received pursuant to a defined benefit plan or other form of deferred compensation, provided that the individual has otherwise severed all ties to the utility, power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier.

This is a merit compensation position. Position Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is a hybrid position and may require in-office work periodically.

To apply, please submit a cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position, resume, writing sample, and three professional references along with your online application.  Applications without a cover letter describing the applicant’s relevant experience and why the applicant would be a strong candidate for this position will not be reviewed for consideration.

No phone calls please.

The Illinois Power Agency is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com