Legal Counsel

It is inspiring to work in an organization where individuals are deeply committed to the mission and values that drive our success.

We are dedicated to delivering expert pension service to Illinois public educators as they earn their promised retirement security.

Job Summary:
Under supervision of the Deputy General Counsel, the Legal Counsel is an in-house position that assists and partners with the Office of Legal Counsel in providing the System with legal advice and counsel, research, and written work product to support the administration of TRS operations, planning, and decision making. In this role, Legal Counsel performs detailed research concerning Illinois statutory interpretation and legal compliance, analyzes complex issues involving member benefits, drafts legal memoranda, correspondence, administrative rules, publications and policies, and other documents on a broad range of complex topics, and provides counsel on sophisticated contract and procurement matters.

Legal Counsel operates as a member of a dynamic, collaborative legal team, responding to legal requests from staff, while also proactively identifying legal vulnerabilities and offering pragmatic guidance on risk mitigation and management to TRS business stakeholders. The position requires exercise of careful judgment, discretion, and strict confidentiality, handling all matters with appropriate decorum and the highest ethical standards befitting the legal profession and the fiduciary duty owed to the System.

Legal Counsel must possess strong legal research and writing capabilities and a keen ability to understand and explain complex and nuanced issues both verbally and in writing. The role requires careful attention to details and timelines and the ability to manage multiple assignments. While legal acumen is essential, Legal Counsel must also demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with others in a professional office setting in a respectful and collegial manner.

Essential Functions:

• Provide legal review, analysis and advice regarding the administration of the System, including matters concerning member benefits, employer plan participation and reporting, and statutory interpretation, and matters relating to the System’s procurement and contracts with a variety of vendor types, such as software licensing agreements and related contracts
• Advise the System regarding matters concerning the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, Open Meetings Act and the Illinois Pension Code provisions governing TRS benefits and Qualified Illinois Domestic Relations Orders
• Maintain familiarity with the Pension Code and other applicable law, administrative rules, and TRS policies and procedures and recommend revisions to align with best practices to protect System interests
• Interact with business stakeholders and external parties as appropriate to complete assigned duties
• Occasional travel for department collaboration and educational and training purposes
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates commitment to TRS’s mission and vision
• Acts using prudent judgment and discretion, maintaining strict confidentiality on all matters
• Manages multiple assignments, meets deadlines, and communicates with stakeholders regarding status on all matters
• Proactively approaches responsibilities
• Demonstrates advanced written and verbal communication skills
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a graduate of and hold a JD degree from an accredited law school
• Must be a licensed attorney in good standing in the State of Illinois or obtain such license
• 5-7 years’ experience working as a licensed attorney in a law firm, corporate legal department, or governmental agency
• Previous experience in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred:
  • Public/governmental retirement plans
  • Tax-qualified defined benefit plans and 457(b) deferred compensation plans
  • Contract review and procurement
  • Information security and privacy

If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy collaborating with driven, enthusiastic professionals, you will find a rewarding career with us.

For Illinois job seekers:

Pay Range

$111,112.05 - $173,335.00

Compensation will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of each candidate.

Benefits
TRS is an agency of the State of Illinois. As such, full and part-time employees are eligible for the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental and vision coverage. All employees participate in the TRS retirement pension plan and have the option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans. The TRS pension plan is a reciprocal system to other state and local pension plans (SERS, SURS, IMRF, etc.)