Assistant Legal Counsel

POSITION TITLE: ASSISTANT LEGAL COUNSEL #1764

POSITION LOCATION: SPRINGFIELD OR CHICAGO

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $85,951 - $113,884

Attorney will report to the Director of Legal Counsel and provide support to the Wellness and Student Care Department including, but not limited to, restraint/time out, student discipline/exclusion, bullying, and student social/emotional health. Areas covered by the Wellness and Student Care Department are required by statute and address aspects of education that are fundamental to educational equity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyzes, reviews, and investigates potential violations of the school code pertaining to student care, wellness and safety.
• Addresses legal issues connected to wellness and student care, including but not limited to restraint/time out and bullying.
• Addresses matters pertaining to student discipline, including suspension and expulsion.
• Reviews complaints pertaining to school resource officers.
• Makes recommendations to ISBE and schools pertaining to school health issues, including school nursing.
• Prepares determinations and recommendations to the Superintendent of Education pertaining to hearings and investigations, in accordance with the purpose and intent of the Illinois school code.
• Works with ISBE staff within the Wellness and Student Care Department on department initiatives.
• Communicates with families, students (as appropriate), school personnel, regional office of education personnel, and attorneys (internal and external special counsel).
• Provides statutory, regulatory, and policy recommendations and guidance regarding school code.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from accredited law school. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
• At least two years of experience working as a licensed attorney.
• Strong skills in written and verbal communications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
• Ability to function both independently and within a team.
• Familiarity with Illinois administrative rules and the Illinois school code.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of special education law.