Chief Legal Counsel

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE ILLINOIS COURTS

POSITION:
Chief Legal Counsel
DIVISION:
Executive Division, Chicago or Springfield
BENEFITS:
An attractive Judicial Branch benefits package is offered, including medical, dental, vision, pension plan, life insurance and deferred compensation.
SALARY:
Minimum Annual Salary $143,640 – Salary at hire to be commensurate with experience
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Chief of Policy and Government Affairs
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBLITIES: The Chief Legal Counsel serves as chief legal advisor to the State of Illinois Judicial Branch, providing legal, procedural, and policy advice on matters of statewide court administration, intergovernmental relations, human resources and other non-adjudicative matters related to the Illinois Supreme Court’s administrative and supervisory authority over all state courts.

FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

Direct, manage and supervise all internal legal services for the Illinois judicial branch, including but not limited to:
Negotiation and review of commercial transactions, including real estate leases, vendor contracts for goods and services, professional services agreements and grant agreements.
Negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and provision of labor/employment advice for judicial branch employers.
Administration of Supreme Court Rule 711-temporary licensing of senior law school students and graduates.
Research and drafting of legal opinions, memoranda of law, and other legal and policy advice for judicial branch managers.
Review and analyze lawsuits filed against judges and judicial branch officers and employees, manage representation through the Office of the Attorney General, and monitor cases.
Serve as Secretary to the Supreme Court Rules Committee, managing the Supreme Court’s rulemaking process for adoption of new Supreme Court Rules and amendments to existing Rules.
Assist the Administrative Director and other judicial branch entities with management of internal and external audit requests, official responses to audit findings, and implementation of new processes and procedures in response to audit results.
Assist with tracking and management of judicial vacancies, conversion and allotment of judgeships as prescribed by statute, and management of associate judge elections.
Supervise and coordinate activities of subordinate attorneys and legal support staff, which may include scheduling and assigning of work, training in all facets of work, quality control, and decisions impacting the pay, status, and tenure of others.
Conduct performance appraisals, and provide input into and participate in discipline, dismissal, and hiring processes.
Participates in planning of judicial and multidisciplinary conferences; may speak on legal topics at conferences.
Attends meetings and training as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Juris Doctor degree, at least ten years of relevant legal experience and licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois is required.

Preferred candidate will have working knowledge of state and federal laws and court decisions pertaining to corporate or administrative matters; working knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence; skill in conducting legal research and preparing memoranda of law providing legal and procedural advice to administrative and judicial officials; skill in providing legal advice to administrative officials on varied legal matters including ramifications of current or proposed office regulations, policies, procedures, contracts and other matters; ability to draft or revise Supreme Court rules, administrative rules, rules of procedure or policies; ability to administer Supreme Court Rules 39 and 711; ability to prepare narrative reports, correspondence and contractual agreements for the administrative office; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; working knowledge of the Illinois court system including structure, policies, procedures and court rules; ability to work independently and within group settings; and proficient in Microsoft Office.

This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time. Occasional overnight travel is required. This is a professional office working environment requiring telephone usage and the ability to process written documents. Must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and demonstrate proof of automobile insurance to operate a personal vehicle on state business, as well as maintain a safe driving record.

APPLICATION PROCESS:  Interested individuals should visit the Supreme Court website:

https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/323/Chief-Legal-Counsel/employment-opportunities-detail/

This position will remain open until filled.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER