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Deputy General Counsel For Litigation

the Agency
Full-time
On-site
Chicago, Washington, United States
$137,208 - $157,992 USD yearly

Job Requisition ID: 48843 

Opening Date: 08/20/2025
Closing Date: 09/10/2025
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTR - 40070 
Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $11,434 - $13,166 per month ($137,208 - $157,992 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency

 

****************A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****************

 

Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document that is not a Resume or CV.

 

When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended. 

 

Posting Identification Number  48843

 

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 Office of General Counsel is seeking to hire a self-motivated, organized and detailed-oriented individual with a license to practice law in Illinois to serve as Deputy General Counsel for Litigation. The Deputy General Counsel serves as the principal legal advisor on legal actions filed on behalf of or against the Department with concentrations in employment, civil rights, torts and administrative review actions. The Deputy General Counsel provides advice, assistance and consultation on statutes, case law, administrative regulations as they pertain to any litigation issues involving the Department. The Deputy General Counsel supervises a team of attorneys and manages representation of the Department in all phases of litigation and appeal before courts and administrative tribunals.  

Essential Functions

  • Serves as Deputy General Counsel for Litigation.
  • Manages representation of the Department in litigation and administrative or quasi-judicial hearings. 
  • Manages litigation risk on behalf of the Department, assessing case values, flagging recurring risk issues, and liaising with Department fiscal personnel.
  • Serves as a full line supervisor; assigns and reviews work; provides guidance and training to assigned staff; counsels staff regarding work performance; reassigns staff to meet day-to-day operating needs; establishes annual goals and objectives; approves time off; adjusts first level grievances; effectively recommends and imposes discipline, up to and including discharge; prepares and signs performance evaluations; determines and recommends staffing needs.
  • Conducts complex legal research regarding full range of legal issues which impact the Department. 
  • Provides support to the Office of the General Counsel, in connection with external investigations, inspections, and audits of the Department related to or in anticipation of potential litigation.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires graduation from a recognized school of law.
  • Requires a valid license to practice law in Illinois.
  • Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Four (4) years of professional experience litigating civil matters on behalf of clients before Federal and State courts or administrative tribunals.
  • Four (4) years of professional experience supervising attorneys and assigning legal work. 
  • Four (4) years of professional experience evaluating settlement demands and advising clients on settlement. 
  • Four (4) years of professional experience managing or conducting discovery for civil litigation in Federal or State court. 
  • Four (4) years of professional experience reviewing and editing legal pleadings such as answers, briefs and motions.  
  • Four (4) years of professional experience advising governmental entities on litigation strategy and risk management.
  • Four (4) years of professional experience meeting deadlines with strong attention to detail and the ability to utilize critical thinking skills while multi-tasking multiple projects.  

Conditions of Employment

  • Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
  • 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.

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

Work Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm; 1-hour unpaid lunch; Flex Schedule Available

Work Location: 69 W Washington St, Chicago, Illinois, 60602

Office of General Counsel

Litigation

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Leadership & Management; Legal, Audit & Compliance; Social Services

 

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois.  Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives.  Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois.  Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.

 

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 Human Services discretion.

 

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

  • A Pension Program
  • Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 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, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
  • 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
  • Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
  • 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
  • Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
  • Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
  • GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
  • 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
  • Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.

 

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:

 

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