Assistant Legal Counsel

Job Requisition ID: 49334 
Closing Date: 09/05/2025
​Agency: Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois
Salary: $98,759.78 - $154,065
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1

 

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 Careers | Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois

 

The Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) is one of the largest public pension systems in the United States. We provide retirement, disability and survivor benefits to teachers, administrators and other public-school personnel employed outside the city of Chicago.

 

TRS serves over 456,000 members and manages a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio for the exclusive benefit of the membership.

 

TRS is an agency of the State of Illinois governed by a Board of Trustees. Full-and part-time employees are eligible for the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental and vision coverage. All employees hired after August 17, 2001 participate in the TRS retirement pension plan. Employees also have the option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans. The TRS pension plan is a participating reciprocal system under the Illinois Pension Code Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act.

Learn more about careers at TRS: Careers | Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois

 

 

 

 

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.

Job Summary

Under supervision of the Senior Legal Counsel, the Assistant Legal Counsel is an in-house position that assists the Office of Legal Counsel in providing the System with legal advice and counsel, research, and written work product to support the administration of TRS operations, planning, and decision making. The incumbent performs detailed research concerning statutory interpretation and legal compliance; analyzes member benefit and employer reporting issues; drafts legal memoranda, correspondence, administrative rules, publications and policies, and other documents; and assists in identifying and addressing System legal risks in contract and procurement matters. The position may also provide backup in the management of Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and administration of Qualified Illinois Domestic Relations Orders (QILDROs) that apply to TRS members and related work of the Office of Legal Counsel.

 

The incumbent assists in responding to issues brought to the attention of the Office of Legal Counsel but must also proactively identify legal vulnerabilities and offer preventive guidance concerning all matters in support of management’s planning, strategy and decision making. The position requires exercise of careful judgment, discretion, and strict confidentiality, handling all matters with appropriate decorum and the highest ethical standards befitting the legal profession and the fiduciary duty owed to the System.

 

The incumbent must possess strong legal research and writing capabilities and a keen ability to understand and explain complex and n