Closing Date: 13th October, 2026

Description:

Primary Function:
The attorney selected for this role will report to the Director of Legislative Affairs and be primarily responsible for researching, drafting, reviewing, editing, and otherwise analyzing the legal and operational impact of proposed legislation that is either advanced by the CCSAO or would impact CCSAO operations.

Additionally, the attorney selected will be responsible for Legislative Advisory Council (LAC) coordination, dissemination of proposed legislation for LAC review, tracking of feedback, and any additional follow up as legislation is amended or modified. The selected candidate will assist with the collaboration and consultation with Bureau Chiefs and Supervisory staff during legislative review and will provide ongoing legal and research support directly to the legislative team. The attorney selected will also work with Bureau Chiefs and CCSAO staff to draft new or amended statutory language advanced by the CCSAO to address legislative needs and may be required to appear at hearings in Springfield and participate in legislative meetings and collaborations with legislators, lobbyists, and external stakeholders.

The attorney selected for this position will also be responsible for the development and coordination of presentations, materials and training for internal and external stakeholders after the passage of legislation that impacts CCSAO operations. The selected attorney will also be responsible for collaborating with the Director of Policy to both analyze and draft policy to comport with legislative changes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Support the Director and Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs with researching, reviewing, editing, and otherwise assessing legal and operation impact on proposed legislation.
In consultation with the Director and Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, manage all aspects of the LAC, including coordination and dissemination of proposed legislation for review.
Track feedback and any additional follow-up as legislation is amended or modified.
Collaborate and consult with Bureau Chiefs and supervisory staff in the coordination of legislative review.
As requested by the Director of Legislative Affairs or senior leadership, appear at hearings in Springfield and participate in legislative meetings and collaborations with legislators, lobbyists, and external stakeholders.
Assist in the development and coordination of presentation materials and trainings for internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborate with the Director of Policy for legislative operational implementation and drafting of policy tied to legislative initiatives.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

Must possess excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Familiarity with statutory interpretation.
Possess strong communication skills, initiative and professionalism.
Ability to work closely with internal leadership and external stakeholders.
Ability to travel to Springfield to attend legislative hearings when required.
Possess strong organizational skills, be detail-oriented, collaborative, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Possess strong substantive and procedural knowledge of criminal and civil law.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited institution. Must be licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
A minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of combined experience in the areas of both criminal and civil law.
Significant litigation experience, preferably in both criminal and civil law.

Physical Requirements:
The position requires the ability to stand or walk frequently, often for extended periods. You may need to lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 20 pounds regularly, and occasionally heavier items. The job may also involve a significant amount of walking or standing relative to sedentary roles.