Legal Counsel

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire legal counsel to be part of the legal team. This position will provide legal assistance on all inquiries including labor law, procurement, personnel, budget, natural resource issues, contracts, grants and other legal matters.  It will assist with drafting and reviewing administrative rules and legislation. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources deals with a multitude of issues related to the resources in Illinois including, water resources, state parks, historic sites, invasive species, forestry, law enforcement, mines and minerals, oil and gas, etc. We welcome all interested candidates to apply.

Essential Function

• Conducts legal research related to administrative rules, legislation, grants, human resources labor relations, procurement, personnel and budget matters.
• Drafts and Reviews agreements for legal sufficiency.
• Represents the Department in referrals to the Illinois Attorney General's Office, including Court of Claims cases.
• Advises Department staff on legal issues related to the Department's missions and duties.
• Represents the Department in administrative hearings in the administration of the Department's programs implementing its powers and duties.
• Assist with the review and processing of requests for documents under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the general practice of law.
• Requires graduation from a recognized law school.
• Requires a license to practice law in the state of Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of administrative law and contract law
• Thorough knowledge of common law, Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to agency program
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices, and references utilized in legal research.
• Two (2) years experience as an attorney conducting legal research and drafting legal memos on complex legal issues.
• Two (2) years of experience as an attorney in drafting proposed legislation, rules, and/or polices.
• Two (2) years of working experience in legal matters related to natural resouces, environmental law, land management, real estate, oil and gas, mining, water resources, conservation, criminal or administrative law.

Conditions of Employment

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position. The State of Illinois complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities:

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires appropriate, valid Driver's license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• 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 (5ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officals and emplyees 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 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.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Agency and Division Statements

DNR Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting and promoting Illinois’ natural and cultural resources, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including, vision health and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs.

Office of Legal Affairs

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Legal Counsel is responsible for providing advice to the Department on all legal matters. In particular, the office coordinates the Department's efforts with the Attorney General's Office when the Department seeks a legal remedy against another party. OLC reviews all complaints, pleadings and legal memoranda regarding any lawsuit brought against the Department in the Court of Claims and coordinates the Department's efforts with the Attorney General's Office in the defense of such claim. OLC prepares legal memoranda on matters of law including the interpretation of statutes, administrative rules and other regulations affecting the Department and its staff. OLC assists in drafting or reviewing legislation which affects Department policies. OLC reviews and approves all legal documents executed by the director or his designees such as contracts, Memorandum of Understanding, etc. OLC administers the Department's administrative rule program. OLC provides legal counsel and assistance to all Office Directors and the various divisions within the offices. OLC processes all Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for the Department. Finally, OLC assists States Attorneys in the prosecution of criminal matters relating to the Department.