Chief Litigation Director

Job Requisition ID: 48193
Closing Date: 07/31/2025
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTR - 40070
Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: $8,825 - $15,255 / month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Excluded - Subject to Paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (6) of Section 4d of the Personnel Code

****A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****

Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), a copy of your transcripts or diploma for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licensures to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. Please note that the Department of Children and Family Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) before any offer can be extended. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document in lieu of a Resume or CV.

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 biggersomething 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 scheduleflexible 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.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is seeking an organized, professional, and results-oriented individual to serve as Chief Litigation Director. Subject to management approval, this position will provide oversight to professional staff and managers. The position will assume line authority for the Department's litigation services and will serve as chief policy formulating administrator for agency policy through litigation matters involving DCFS staff, programs, and operations. Additionally, the position will represent the Department before other state agencies and governmental entities, private and public organizations, and other community and professional groups, while also serving as a principal liaison with the Attorney General's Office. This position is a great opportunity for someone with the desire to use their legal skills to benefit child welfare services. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent legal and organizational skills and strong leadership capabilities. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join our innovative team to help make a difference in the lives of children and families.

• Serves as Chief Litigation Director for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
• Reports in a timely manner on all aspects of litigation to the General Counsel and other appropriate parties, including the Director
• Directs the preparation of regular and special reports dealing with litigation results to evaluate current and proposed DCFS activities
• With authority to commit the Department to a specific course of action related to efforts pertaining to dispute resolution, represents the Department before other state agencies and governmental entities, private and public organizations, and other community and professional groups
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

• Requires completion of law school and possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
• Requires four years of experience in the practice of law

• 4 years of experience managing professional legal staff
• 4 years of experience as an attorney in cases involving child welfare or juvenile law
• 4 years of experience as an attorney presenting and arguing legal cases in court and/or administrative hearings
• 4 years of legal writing experience as an attorney in the areas of motions, pleadings, briefs, and/or memoranda
• 4 years of experience utilizing knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules that have a substantial impact on Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS's administrative hearings

1. Requires the ability to pass a background check
2. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license
3. Per Executive Order 2018-07, requires engagement with Business Enterprise Program (BEP) contractors and subcontractors and support for the goals of the BEP program and the Fair Contracting Task Force when applicable
4. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Work Location: 60 E Van Buren, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
Agency Contact: Michael Bernardy
Email: ...
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance

Revolving Door

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

Economic Interest

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your junk mail, spam, or other folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

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