DOC Litigation Counsel
Springfield, IL, US, 62702
Job Requisition ID: 48712
Closing Date: 08/08/2025
Agency: Department of Corrections
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTR - 40070
Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $11,250 a month; Full Range $11,250 - $13,000 a month.
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency
****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 Corrections 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 Corrections is seeking a strategic legal leader to serve as the Technical Advisor to providing high-level counsel that shapes agency policy, operational decisions, and legal compliance. Brings deep expertise in civil litigation, legal risk management, and policy development to support executive leadership. Oversees and mentors legal staff, guiding litigation strategy, regulatory interpretation, and program implementation. Proven ability to manage complex legal issues, drive early case resolution, and align legal frameworks with the Department’s mission and operational priorities. Recognized for decisive leadership, operational insight, and a commitment to organizational integrity and effectiveness.
Essential Functions
- Serves as the Technical Advisor for the Director of the Department of Corrections.
- Serves as full-line supervisor.
- Reviews and provides recommendations to the Chief and Deputy Chief Legal Counsel, staff attorneys and Assistant Attorney General(s) regarding litigation strategy, settlement, and appeal posture in designated significant civil actions.
- Responds to the more complex and significant civil litigation involving Departmental operations.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
- Requires four (4) years professional experience in the practice of law.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prefers at least four (4) years of civil litigation experience handling federal, state, or administrative proceedings.
- Prefers at least four (4) years of experience drafting legal memoranda.
- Prefers at least two (2) years of professional experience working with laws, policies, or regulations for a corrections agency.
- Prefers at least two (2) years of experience managing attorneys and support staff.
- Prefers at least two (2) years of experience developing litigation strategy, settlement, and appeal posture in designated significant civil actions.
- Prefers at least four (4) years of experience conducting legal research.
- Prefers at least two (2) years of experience working in a large agency or organization.
- Prefers at least two (2) years of experience in handling constitutional or administrative law.
- Prefers at least two (2) years of professional experience working with laws, policies, or regulations for a corrections agency.
- Prefers at least two (2) years of experience utilizing Microsoft software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, or similar software products.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires possession of a current, active license to practice law in the State of Illinois.
- Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
- Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime.
- Requires use of agency-supplied equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.).
- 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.
- Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
- Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
- 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.
- 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.
- The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm; Saturday/Sunday off
Work Location: 1301 Concordia Ct Springfield, IL 62702-5643
Agency Contact: Demetria.Greenwald@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance; Leadership & Management; Public Safety
Revolving Door: 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.
Term Appointment: Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Corrections’s discretion.
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, butn ot 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.
As an IDOC employee, you are entitled to a robust benefits package that includes:
· Flexible work schedule in some program areas (Flexible time and hybrid options)
· Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
· 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
· Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II
· Full 20‐year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement.
· Deferred compensation and other pre‐tax benefits programs
· Paid state holidays 13‐14 days annually
· 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
· 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
· 10‐25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually ‐ (10 days in year one of employment)
· Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12‐hour work schedules. (As applicable.)
· Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
· For more information about our benefits please follow this link: For Benefit Information Click Here
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: Springfield