LITIGATION ATTORNEY

Job Requisition ID: 53851 
Closing Date: 04/07/2026
​Agency: Department of Children and Family ServicesClass Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 
Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $10,000 - $11,200/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Gubernatorial (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC010 Collective Bargaining Coverage

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application.  Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

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.

Essential Functions

• Presents evidence on behalf of the Department at administrative hearings and service appeals, includingexamining and cross-examining witnesses
• Interviews Department witnesses
• Evaluates cases involving clients where the Department is seeking expunction or indication
• Confers with Department staff, attorneys, clients, and others through personal or telephone contact and correspondence as to the interpretation and application of DCFS policy
• Attends staff meetings and provides input relative to planning issues and staffing
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires graduation from an accredited law school and possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
• Requires 3 years of experience in the practice of law

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers experience as an attorney in cases involving child welfare or juvenile law
• Prefers experience as an attorney presenting and arguing legal cases in court and/or administrative hearings
• Prefers substantive legal writing experience as an attorney in the areas of motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda
• Prefers professional experience working in collaboration with various internal and external entities
• Prefers thorough knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules that have a substantial impact on Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS’s administrative hearings

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass a background check.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
• 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.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus. The Office of Legal Services works in a supportive capacity to ensure Departmental adherence to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and court orders.

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