<span>Litigation Staff Attorney II</span>

$76,068 - $110,136/Yr

State Of Illinois - Springfield, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Springfield, IL

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Litigation Staff Attorney II position is a litigation-focused role within the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, primarily responsible for defending mental health commitment and treatment cases. The attorney will engage in various legal activities including drafting motions, reviewing medical records, preparing clients, interviewing witnesses, and conducting legal research. Regular attendance at hearings, trials (both via Zoom and in-person), and case management dockets is required, making proficiency with legal software and communication tools essential.

Responsibilities

• Draft motions and legal documents related to mental health commitment and treatment cases.
• Review medical records and prepare clients for hearings and trials.
• Interview witnesses and gather evidence to support cases.
• Conduct legal research to inform case strategies and arguments.
• Attend hearings, trials, and case management dockets regularly, both in-person and via Zoom.
• Explain legal rights to eligible disabled or mental health clients through various communication methods.
• Coordinate and disseminate information to service providers and community groups regarding legal representation for individuals with disabilities.
• Handle mental health appellate briefs as required.

Requirements

• Graduation from a recognized law school.
• Possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.
• Four years of experience as lead counsel in bench and/or jury trials providing direct client representation.
• Four years of experience in drafting, filing, arguing, and defending petitions and motions.
• Two years of experience with relevant administrative, statutory, and case law at administrative, trial, and appellate levels.
• Four years of advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Lexis Nexus, Westlaw, Zoom, and WebEx.
• Three years of experience in preparing for and conducting weekly motion hearings and interpreting relevant case law.
• Three years of experience in technical research and writing detailed reports.
• Two years of experience in reviewing medical records and preparing witnesses for trial.

Nice-to-haves

• Public speaking and educational training experience, particularly in legal representation for persons with disabilities.
• Experience in coordinating and disseminating information to community groups and professional associations.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules in some program areas (flexible time and hybrid options).
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
• 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave.
• Pension Plan with vesting at 10 years for Tier II.
• Full 20-year retirement awards with 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 (carry over from year to year).
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually (10 days in year one of employment).
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources.