Assistant Legal Counsel - Generalist School Law

Career Opportunity

Position : Assistant Legal Counsel - Generalist School Law (Assistant Legal Counsel #1681)Inventory# : 1681Location : Springfield or ChicagoUnion : ExemptDepartment : LegalAnticipated Starting Salary Range : $85,951 - $113,884Full Salary Range : $85,951 - $141,819Office Hours : Monday Friday 8 : 00 a.

m. 5 : 00 p.m.Posted Date : May 13, 2024Closing Date : Open Until Filled

Reporting to the Deputy Legal Counsel or his / her designee , provides general support to the Agency and program staff on a variety of topics connected to the Illinois School Code including, but not limited to, curriculum and instruction, accountability, assessment, career and technical education, student wellness, student discipline, and educator misconduct.

The attorney must have a good general familiarity with the Illinois School Code and the operation of school districts and school board governance.

The attorney selected will work closely with program staff throughout the Agency, as well as with counsel for other Illinois agencies, legislators, constituents, and stakeholders and therefore must have good written and verbal communication skills.

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Analyzes and renders legal opinions and advice to the State Board of Education, State Superintendent, ISBE personnel, and Regional Superintendents of Education on matters connected to the Illinois School Code, implementing regulations and nonregulatory guidance.
• Provides technical assistance to attorneys in the field, school personnel and constituents pertaining to the Illinois School Code, implementing regulations and nonregulatory guidance put out by ISBE.
• Drafts legal opinions, legislation, legislative reviews, administrative rules, contracts, guidance and other documents pertaining to the operation of Illinois schools.
• Participates in agency and external committees and task forces.
• Serves as hearing officer or represents the agency in contested matters.
• Analyzes matters, as they impact schools or the Board of Education, connected to the Election Code, the Open Meetings Act, the Freedom of Information Act, the Illinois School Student Records Act, and the Vehicle Code, among others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications :

• Graduation from an accredited law school. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois. (COPY OF LICENSE REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• At least two years of experience working as a licensed attorney.
• Knowledge of education law.
• Limited travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience practicing law in the field of education law.
• Employment experience in schools, or law school coursework in school law.

ISBE provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

We actively foster a culture of inclusion and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Illinois has an urgent and collective responsibility to achieve educational equity by ensuring that all policies, programs, and practices affirm the strengths that each and every child brings within their diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and by delivering the comprehensive supports, programs, and educational opportunities they need to succeed.