Attorney

  • Executive Ethics Commission
  • Springfield, Illinois
  • Jul 30, 2020
Full time Law

Job Description

The Executive Ethics Commission (EEC) of the State of Illinois seeks an entry level attorney for a position with our legal staff.  The attorney position fulfills a range of responsibilities including technical research and review, making recommendations on legal issues and litigation, and conducting administrative hearings related to Illinois law including, but not limited to, the Illinois Procurement Code, the Governmental Joint Purchasing Act, the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

 

The EEC is a nine-member commission. Five commissioners are appointed by the Governor, and one commissioner each is appointed from the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer.  The Commission promotes ethics in public service and ensures that the State's business is conducted with efficiency, transparency, fairness, and integrity by facilitating compliance, implementation, and enforcement of the State Officials and Employee Ethics Act. The Commission is responsible for appointing chief procurement officers (CPOs).  The CPOs are subject-matter experts on procurement an maintain their independence on procurement decisions as set forth in the Illinois Procurement Code.


Responsibilities include, under direction of the EEC General Counsel or the Chief Legal Counsel for Procurement

  • Providing legal counsel and guidance to the EEC and/or CPOs on all legal matters relevant to the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, the Illinois Procurement Code, the Governmental Joint Purchasing Act, employment law, policies, procedures, rules and regulations, and other laws and regulations.
  • Conducting technical legal research for EEC staff and/or respective CPOs and preparing legal memoranda and briefs and providing legal advice.
  • Providing litigation support activities and coordination with the Illinois Attorney General's Office. Coordinating litigation-related activities for general matters involving the EEC and its staff and/or the CPOs and their respective staffs.
  • As Protest Review Officer for the CPOs, reviewing all protests, communicating with protestors when necessary, and recommending written determinations for the respective CPO’s consideration.
  • Serving as procurement liaison to streamline communications related to facilitating resolutions of substantive procurement issues between the Procurement Division and the EEC, to include consulting on disputes between the CPO, PCM, and the agencies/universities.
  • Conducting hearings on behalf of, or at the direction of, the CPOs or EEC Executive Director and preparing recommended decisions.
  • Providing legal advice and counsel to Human Resources.


 

 

Minimum Requirements

  • Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
  • Undergraduate degree in human resources or organizational management, completion of graduate/law classes in employment law, or possession of a professional human resources certification.
  • Sitting for the Illinois bar exam October 5-6, 2020 or recent law school graduate admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois in 2019 or later.

 

Preferences

  • Familiarity with procurement or government ethics, Freedom of Information Act, and administrative law.
  • A working knowledge of the functions of state government and relationships between the branches and within the executive branch.
  • Excellent legal research skills utilizing sound judgement.
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills along with a demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external constituencies.
  • Employment law or civil rights law school program/clinic experience.

 

Office Information
The members of the legal staff work in a collaborative environment, subject to the direction of the EEC General Counsel or the Chief Legal Counsel for Procurement.  Successful members of this team have a demonstrated interest in, enthusiasm for, and commitment to public service.  The desired candidate is self-motivated, with an ability to resolve complex issues with a resourceful, independent attitude.  The work location is an office setting, requiring business casual or business dress attire. 

 

Work Hours

This is a full-time position with a work week consisting of 37 ½ hours per work during normal business hours.

 

Benefits

This position is eligible to be a member of the State of Illinois Group Insurance program with health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage options.  Additionally, this position will earn 12 paid sick days per calendar year, a minimum of 10 paid vacation days per calendar year, 3 paid personal days per calendar year, and 12 paid state holidays per calendar year, prorated based on start date.

 

Work Location

Illinois Executive Ethics Commission

401 South Spring Street

William Stratton Building, Room 515

Springfield, Illinois 62706

 


 

This position is not covered by the Personnel Code and not subject to collective bargaining.  It does not require a current grade from Central Management Services.  Employees of the Executive Ethics Commission are not permitted to hold public office or engage in certain political activity.

Agency Contact

Christine Lazarides

Executive Ethics Commission
Human Resources Office
401 South Spring Street, William Stratton Building, Room 515
Springfield, Illinois 62706

Christine.Lazarides@illinois.gov

 

How to Apply
For full consideration, applicants should email the following to Christine.Lazarides@illinois.gov by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2020:

 

  • A letter of interest, explaining how your training, experience, and/or coursework qualify you for this position, and identifying how you learned of this position.
  • A detailed resume.
  • A legal writing sample.
  • Contact information for three professional references, which may include previous employers or law school professors.  For questions regarding whether a reference is appropriate, please email the Agency Contact.

 

Special Note: Interviews for this position will be conducted via WebEx video.  Please ensure that you have audio and video connection capabilities.  Interviews are expected to begin the week of September 14, 2020.

The Executive Ethics Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
 
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act, State agencies must ensure that the employment process is accessible to persons with disabilities. Specifically, these laws require that the State provide reasonable accommodations upon request by individuals participating in all steps of the employment process. Please contact the Human Resources Office with requests for reasonable accommodations.
 
The Equal Employment Opportunity / American with Disabilities Act Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with these laws. Any issues or concerns should be addressed to the EEO/ADA Officer at 401 S. Spring St, Room 515, Springfield, Illinois, 62706, or by calling (217) 558-1393.

Occupations

Attorney