What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Counsel position at OFFICE OF STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER?
THE OFFICE
The Office of State Public Defender (OSPD) will be created as an independent office within the judicial branch on January 1, 2027. The 2025 FAIR Act, Public Act 104-0300, created the Office to provide for an effective public defense system throughout the State of Illinois. OSPD is charged with implementing uniform standards for trial-level public defense; systematically evaluating local needs and capacity; offering specialized support to local jurisdictions (i.e., investigation, mitigation, and expert witness assistance); and establishing clear and equitable procedures for distributing the Public Defender Fund, among other duties to ensure consistent, equitable, and high-quality defense services.
THE POSITION
The General Counsel is a senior level position responsible for advising the Illinois Office of State Public Defender (OSPD) on legal issues related to employment law, professional responsibility, and provision of public defense services. The General Counsel interprets state and federal law, working with considerable independence and exercising professional judgment under the general supervision of the Chief of Staff.
SALARY, BENEFITS & LOCATION
The position is located in Springfield, Illinois. This position's headquarter location could change based on future operational needs.
The salary is commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $158,880 to $166,332.
The required working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The State Public Defender, in his or her discretion, may potentially approve a hybrid work schedule.
An attractive benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as deferred compensation and generous leave time. Information about benefits provided by OSPD can be found here:
State Employee General Benefits - https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
OSPD Summary of Benefits - https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a05ec3aebc750d83c07bd1fd39845d
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
● Serves as the General Counsel for the Office of the State Public Defender by providing legal advice and counsel on all matters related to the operation of the office, including criminal, juvenile, traffic, and other relevant areas of law and practice, contracts, procurement, and employment issues.
● Reviews pending legislation and prepares legal memorandum outlining the impact, operationally and fiscally, of proposed bills.
● Drafts amendments to proposed statutes and court rules, as directed.
● Reviews public defender standards and practices to advise and determine compliance with state and federal legislation and case law.
● Reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and regulations and conducts investigations of employee conduct.
● Responds to external requests for employment related information, including responding to the Illinois Department of Human Rights, Illinois Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor.
● Conducts investigations into allegations of employee misconduct, including developing an investigation plan, identifying necessary parties to interview and investigation questions.
● Prepares written findings of investigations, including preparing exhibits and preserving evidence.
● Provides legal counsel on human resource related issues such as employee discipline, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), State of Illinois Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, workers’ compensation, leave, benefits, and other employee related issues.
● Reviews grant applications, notices of funding opportunities, grant agreements, procurement documents, contracts, and leases for OSPD.
● Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM
● A Juris Doctor Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
● Seven years in the practice of law.
● Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
● 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.
PREFERRED
● Seven years in the practice of law.
● Five years of experience with employment law or labor relations.
● Five years of experience with legal research and writing.
● Two years of experience drafting, researching or analyzing legislation.
● Two years of experience providing public defense (or court-appointed) services or in Illinois or federal courts.
● One year of experience with preparing and/or delivering training on statutory or regulatory provisions.
● Experience in an agency, organization, or firm providing direct legal services to indigent people in the areas of criminal defense, juvenile delinquency defense, or abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings.
OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
● Effective oral and written communication, presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
● Ability to plan, organize, implement, and maintain a variety of functions and projects simultaneously and meet required deadlines and schedules.
● Ability to positively and professionally interact with co-workers.
● Demonstrated leadership skills including planning and priority setting, sound decision-making, problem-solving, and analytic and interpretive skills.
● Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
WORKING CONDITIONS/STRUCTURE
● Ability to sit for extended time periods.
● Professional office working environment requiring telephone usage and ability to process written documents.
● Ability to travel, including overnight stays, as required.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested individuals should submit a resume to https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a05edff7f571af80349e7964f00cfd. All jobs vacancy announcements and application links are also available at www.ilosps.gov/join-our-team.
A judicial branch application is not required to apply, but it will be required before final hiring decisions are made. The application can be downloaded from the Illinois Courts website at https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/b0377255-a5e8-4c75-af0b-65925622d97b/Judicial Branch Employment Application.pdf.
This position will remain open until filled. However, those individuals submitting materials by November 6, 2026, will be given first consideration.
Any questions about this position or the application process can be submitted via email at the following address: HR@ilosps.gov
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Pay: $158,880.00 - $166,332.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $158,880 - $166,332