Legal Advisor I (Attorney) at Illinois Secretary of State – Joliet, Illinois

Job Title: Legal Advisor I
Division: Northern Operations
Union: N/A
Location: 54 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL - Will County
Salary: Range $60,000 - $68,000 Annually – commensurate with experience
Benefits: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

Overview:

Performs routine legal work in preparation of hearings cases, confers with the general public, witnesses, other attorneys and departmental personnel as it relates to the formal hearing process; serves as hearing representative for the Secretary of State at formal proceedings by presenting the State's case against the petitioner, calling and questioning witnesses and presenting evidence; conducts formal driver’s license hearings; reviews and analyzes formal hearings finding; utilizes a personal computer to prepare formal orders, including findings of facts, conclusions of law and recommendations, which may be up to 10 pages or more each, and which include the entry of Driver's License numbers, driving abstract entries, references to the Illinois Administrative Code and other statutory citations, court decision citations and footnotes, in compliance with statutory time constraints.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• In preparation of hearings cases, confers with the public, witnesses, other attorneys and departmental personnel as it relates to the formal hearing process; conducts investigations and researches activities to determine facts; answers inquiries regarding legal matters pertaining to the administrative hearings process.
• Serves as hearing representative for the Secretary of State at formal proceedings by presenting the State's case against the petitioner, calling and questioning witnesses and presenting evidence.
• Conducts formal driver’s license hearings, as required under 625 ILCS 5/2 118 Illinois Vehicle Code to recommend disposition of petitioner's request for driving relief; rules on admissibility and relevance of evidence, motions and objections; examines witnesses; determines facts to assess and interpret evidence and testimony considering legal implications, applications of law, rules and policies and the public safety; subpoenas witnesses or documents.
• Reviews and analyzes formal hearing findings, petitioner's driving record and petitioner's eligibility for reinstatement or other driving relief; utilizes keyboard techniques of office automated system to prepare formal orders based on evidence presented at the hearing; submits the formal order for processing within the time standard set by the Department of Administrative Hearings.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

• Requires extensive knowledge of the common law and of the State and Federal laws relating to administrative and regulatory functions.
• Requires extensive knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedure and of the rules of evidence, hearings, and trial procedures.
• Requires working knowledge of management practices and procedures.
• Requires ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with superiors, other attorneys, employees and the public.
• Requires ability to present material in clear and logical form for oral or written presentation, such as briefs, orders, reports or decisions.
• Requires ability to exercise sound judgement in appraising and evaluating problems of a procedural nature.
• Requires the ability to lift/carry up to 0-10 lbs.
• Requires willingness to travel and possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license.

• Please visit https://ilsos.applytojob.gov/apply to apply by completing the online application; you may also upload a resume, or other attachments as needed.
• Preference will be given to Illinois residents in the hiring and selection process, in accordance with the Illinois Secretary of State Merit Employment Code.
• Questions regarding this posting or Illinois Secretary of State employment practices may be directed to Job Counselors at our Personnel offices in Chicago (312-793-5515) or Springfield (217-782-4783).

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability.