SENIOR ASST. CHIEF COUNSEL-CHICAGO REGION
Chicago, IL, US, 60603
Job Requisition ID: 55521 - IPR#26-01310
Opening Date: 04/22/2026
Closing Date: 05/05/2026
Agency: Department of Transportation
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Salary: $11,600 - $12,500 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit: Non-Union/At Will
****A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****
Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), 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 Department of ransportation 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.
Position Overview:
The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire a Senior Assistant Chief Counsel – Chicago. The successful candidate will, under general direction of the Deputy Chief Counsel (Chicago), provide technical advice and legal policy determinations on legal matters relating to transportation. The incumbent serves as supervisor lead worker for assistant chief counsels and paralegal and in the absence of the Deputy Chief Counsel may be assigned the duties and responsibilities of that position. This position provides consultation and policy development or implementation for complex legal questions and problems related to IDOT functions, programs, and policies. The incumbent represents the department as Special Assistant Attorney General, by appointment, in legal or administrative proceedings.
Essential Functions
Serves as counsel and legal advisor for all offices in the department, with primary responsibility to the Office of Highways Project Implementation.
○ Addresses issues related to the Office of Intermodal Project Implementation (OIPI) and Office of Planning and Programming and corresponding matters with the Office of Business and Workforce Diversity.
○ Coordinates comprehensive review of legal issues with other departmental attorneys and with outside counsel.
○ Represents the department as Special Assistant Attorney General, by appointment, in legal or administrative proceedings.
○ Determines agency policy on specific areas of assignment.
○ Travels throughout the state
Develops and implements statewide policies based on review of issues related to transportation.
○ Provides interpretation of department policies.
○ Proposes, drafts, reviews, and revises new policies and interpretations.
○ Acts as liaison with decision-making authority over legal matters concerning exceptions discovered as a result of audits of contracts and contract expenditures.
Prepares information and documents for legal work for the department, including but not limited to, contract strategy; preparation; review; negotiation; general counseling; legal research; cost- effective handling; mitigation of litigation and claims; general legal and statutory compliance; and determination of settlements with the Chief Counsel, Deputy Chief Counsel - Chicago, Office of the Governor, Office of the Attorney General, and outside counsel.
Analyzes statutes and drafts rules, regulations, and interpretations pertaining to department’s programs, policies, and procedures.
○ Advises management and staff regarding rules, regulations, and interpretations in relation to department programs, policies, and procedures.
Serves as supervisor to assistant chief counsels and paralegal.
○ Assigns and reviews work.
○ Approves time off.
○ Provides guidance and training.
○ Completes performance evaluations.
○ Provides input to the Deputy Chief Counsel - Chicago on staff performance and training.
Assists the Chief Counsel and Deputy Chief Counsel in the preparation of legislation and representation on behalf of the department in legislative or administrative proceedings, which includes appearing on behalf of the department.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires graduation from a recognized law school and possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
- Requires prior experience equivalent to four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law with extensive knowledge of the Illinois legislative and rulemaking process.
- Requires thorough knowledge of common law and federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the department’s programs.
Conditions of Employment
- The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
- Successful completion of a background screening.
- Frequent statewide travel and occasional out-of-state travel, which may include overnight stays.
- Requires a valid driver’s license.
- 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 required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
- Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 30/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
About the Agency:
The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois.
Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.
The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:
- Monday-Friday work schedule
- Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling).
- Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Pension Plan
- (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
- Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually.
- New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually.
- Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually.
- (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.
Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday-Friday
Headquarter Location: 115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60603
Office: Office of Chief Counsel/Bureau of Legal Services - Chicago
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: DOT.CONTACTHR@ILLINOIS.GOV
Posting Group: Transportation; Leadership & Management; Legal, Audit & Compliance
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this
position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during
State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall,
prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive
Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.
Seasonal and temporary workers should use a personal e-mail address when applying for jobs.
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
Nearest Major Market: Chicago