Closing Date: 1st July, 2026
Description:
Position Overview:Under general direction of the Legal Advocacy Services Director, this Special Education Litigation Staff Attorney II conducts legal reviews of cases eligible for Legal Advocacy Services; consults with and advises attorneys, judges, medical professionals, eligible persons with disabilities and other interested parties on the Commission's programs and services.
- Monday-Friday schedule
- Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
- Paid Parental leave
- Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
- Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually
- (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service)
- Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date)
- (13-14) paid state holidays annually
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.
Essential Functions:
- Conducts legal reviews of Special Education cases to determine eligibility for Legal Advocacy representation. Provides systemic litigation and advocacy services for eligible and accepted Special Education cases, including but not limited to Meditation cases and Due Process Special Education cases.
- Determines eligible persons' rights and initiates or participates in legal procedures to enforce compliance with Federal and State Special Education Law, Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code and related mental health laws.
- Provides brief written and telephone advice, oral and written advocacy, direct representation at IEP meetings, medications and expulsion hearings, direct representation in due process hearings in State and Federal court.
- Maintains accurate case files, notes, case status and data in our internal case management system.
- Provide the general public with trainings and information regarding issues related to Special Education Law and the activities and services provided by Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Specialized Skills:
- Requires two (2) years' of Special Education litigation and representation experience.
- Requires two (2) years' experience as lead counsel in bench and/or jury trials providing direct client representation and services.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires graduation from a recognized law school.
- Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prefers two (2) years of Special Education litigation and representation experience.
- Prefers two (2) years' experience as lead counsel in bench and/or jury trials providing direct client representation and services.
- Prefers four (4) years in drafting, filing, arguing and defending petitions and motions. Excellent oral and written communication skills needed.
- Prefers two (2) years of experience with relevant administrative, statutory and case law reference at administrative, trial and appellate levels.
- Prefers four (4) years of advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Lexis Nexus, Westlaw or other legal research platforms, Zoom, and WebEx.
- Prefers three (3) experience in preparing for and conducting weekly motion hearings, interpreting rules, regulations and relevant case law and proposing solutions to administrative and legal questions.
Preferred Qualifications Continued
- Prefers three (3) years' experience in technical research and writing detailed reports.
- Prefers two (2) years reviewing medical records, interviewing and preparing witnesses for trial, interviewing expert witnesses, interviewing lay witnesses.
- Prefers two (2) years in public speaking and educational training, including, coordinating and disseminating of information to service providers, community groups, and professional associations concerning legal representation of persons with disabilities and or recipients of mental health services, with the enhanced ability to adjust the level of communication to the target audience.
- Prefers two (2) years' experience in preparing for and conducting trials on a weekly basis.
Conditions of Employment:
- Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
- Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
- Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
- Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
About the Agency
Created in 1979, the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission protects the rights and promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities. A board of 11 commissioners, who serve without compensation, govern the agency. The Commission is an executive state agency created to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. By providing legal representation, investigating complaints of rights violations, and providing state guardianship for Illinois' population with disabilities, the Commission has given a voice to those who have previously gone unheard.
