LEGAL COUNSEL-Procurement

Job Summary

Under supervision of the General Counsel, provide legal review and negotiation of TRS-generated master agreements, vendor form contracts, and related documents to protect the interests of TRS in the procurement of goods and services for TRS operations. Work closely with the TRS Procurement Department and internal TRS business leads to maintain awareness and provide legal oversight and guidance on procurement matters. Review contract forms and templates, solicitation documents (Requests for Quotes, Requests for Proposal, Invitations to Bid), and TRS procurement policies and procedures to align with applicable law, TRS policies and procedures, and best practices for an Illinois public retirement system. Provide legal review of a broad range of contracts, including nondisclosure agreements, software licensing, SaaS and data subscription agreements, consulting and professional services agreements, State of Illinois joint purchase master contracts, cooperative purchasing agreements (e.g., OMNIA Partners and Sourcewell), and other agreements related to the procurement of goods and services.

Job Summary (Continued)

The incumbent responds to matters brought to the attention of the Legal Department but must also proactively identify legal vulnerabilities and offer preventative counseling concerning all matters related to TRS procurement in support of management’s planning, strategy and decision-making. The position requires executive presence, skill and judgment to provide legal counseling to multiple TRS departments on competing, time sensitive matters and the exercise of careful discretion in handling of confidential information. Limited travel may be required (e.g., travel for training or CLE).

The incumbent must be a graduate of an accredited law school and hold a valid license to practice law in the State of Illinois. TRS offers payment of bar dues, MCLE requirements and professional memberships that align with job duties.

Essential Functions

• Review procurement and contract documentation and provide legal advice and risk-based recommendations to protect TRS interests to business leads, the Procurement Department, and other TRS stakeholders regarding the acquisition of goods and services for TRS operations.  Review and draft contracts, procurement bid solicitations (including Requests for Proposals, Requests for Quotes, Invitations to Bid, Statements of Work, NDAs, and other contract documentation).
• Negotiate TRS master agreements and vendor-proposed revisions to preserve uniformity and integrity of standard contract terms that protect the TRS. Negotiate vendor form contracts and modifications to minimize TRS risk.  Coordinate with the TRS Procurement Department and business leads in connection with the same.  Assist the TRS Procurement Department with contract administration.
• Develop standardized, best practice contract terms for a variety of TRS professional services and operational needs, including terms related to use of artificial intelligence, offshore resources, data security, limitation of liability, indemnification, etc.
• Maintain familiarity with applicable law and TRS procurement policies and procedures and administrative rules, and recommend revisions as legally advised to align with best practices and to protect TRS interests.
• Coordinate with the TRS Procurement and other departments as appropriate to complete assigned duties; proactively counsel departments on anticipated procurement needs.
• Attend Procurement and Contracting Oversight Committee meetings and provide related support.

Essential Functions (Continued)

• Provide backup coverage to internal counsel on other TRS legal matters.
• Assist in departmental administrative matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required including special projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Models commitment to TRS Mission and Values                                                                        
• Demonstrates prudent judgment and decision-making skills                                           
• Demonstrates ability to manage competing departments’ legal requests within tight timeframes and meet deadlines, providing ongoing communication on the status of matters                                          
• Proactively approaches responsibilities                                                                                      
• Communicates, in writing and verbally, in an effective, professional manner

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a graduate of and hold a JD from an accredited law school and be a licensed attorney in good standing in the State of Illinois.
• Minimum of 3 years (preferably 5) of progressively responsible service handling complex legal matters in a law firm, corporate legal department, or governmental agency with substantial experience in contract drafting and negotiations.
• Previous experience in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred:
  • Public/governmental retirement plans
  • Tax-qualified retirement plans
  • Agency contracting and procurement
  • IT software and service agreements
  • Nondisclosure agreements
• Must be able to successfully prioritize and manage numerous projects concurrently.