Supervising Senior Policy Attorney

• Location
  Chicago, Illinois
• Office
  Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts
• Posted Date
  02/23/26
• Closing Date
  Applications received by Friday, March 27, 2026, will receive first consideration
• Division
  Access to Justice Division
• Benefits
  An attractive judicial branch benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, deferred compensation options, as well as vacation, sick and personal leave. Please refer to the Benefits Information Sheet .
• Salary
  Minimum salary $114,482; salary at hire to be commensurate with experience

PURPOSE

The Access to Justice Division's (ATJ Division) objective is to improve access to the justice system for all users, particularly to those who are low-income or have difficulty accessing the courts, through creating standardized statewide court forms, improving language access and interpreter services, and developing training materials and educational programs for judges and court personnel, among other priorities. We share a vision of a community free from bias, systemic unfairness, and oppression, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

The Supervising Senior Policy Attorney a supervisory, professional position responsible for identifying ways for the Judicial Branch to address the growing numbers self-represented litigants (SRL) and limited English proficient (LEP) litigants coming to court with a focus on technology and elevation of resources through systematic outreach. Work is performed with considerable independence and with wide latitude for professional judgement under the general supervision of the Director of the Access to Justice Division.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

It is anticipated the position will focus on the following areas:

• General
  • Serves as a member of the ATJ Division leadership team, which includes priority setting and development and execution of a yearly operational plan with a focus on outreach approaches to increase awareness, understanding, and use of ATJ Division and Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) resources, including standardized forms, bench cards, judicial tools, and Illinois Court Help hotline services.
  • Leads the creation and deployment of strategic engagement initiatives, including digital campaigns, social media initiatives, toolkits, and other creative dissemination methods, to ensure stakeholders receive clear, actionable information through multiple channels.
  • Identifies, analyzes, and helps courts implement best practices for technology-based programs and services to empower SRLs and LEP litigants to more fully participate in their court case.
  • Coordinates and provides the perspectives of court users who have difficulty accessing justice on current technology related initiatives such as e-filing, remote appearances, online dispute resolution, video remote interpretation, and identifies and develops new technology initiatives as they relate to ensuring SRL and LEP litigants can meaningfully participate in their court cases and court services in collaboration with other court stakeholders.
  • In evaluating and implementing technology-based programs and services, considers the user experience and user-center design.
  • In addition to the duties listed below, performs other duties as assigned.
• Program Leadership and Oversight
  • Independently leads high-impact initiatives aligned with the ATJ Commission’s strategic plan and the Access to Justice Division’s priorities, with minimal supervision.
  • Oversees and advances complex program areas (e.g., e-filing user experience, Remote Appearance Program, law student and policy pipelines), from concept through implementation.
  • Identifies, analyzes, and applies best practices based on emerging research, trends, and evolving court and user needs.
  • Manages complex projects, including setting timelines, coordinating internal and external partners, and tracking progress.
  • Supervises and supports assigned staff, providing guidance, feedback, and performance management.
  • Serves as a subject-matter expert and trusted resource to judges, court administrators, and circuit clerks on issues affecting self-represented litigants and court access.
  • Conducts legal and policy research; analyzes program data; and prepares memoranda, reports, and white papers to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Represents the Division and Commission at local, state, and national meetings and conferences.
  • Builds and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, including courts, legal aid and pro bono providers, bar associations, funders, and community-based organizations.
• Committee Staffing and Facilitation (ATJ Commission and Supreme Court Committees)
  • Leads all aspects of staffing and supporting Supreme Court Commission, Access to Justice Division, and Illinois Supreme Court committees, task forces, and workgroups.
  • Designs and manages committee recruitment and onboarding processes, including application development, review, interviews, selection, and orientation.
  • Facilitates collaboration among diverse stakeholders (judges, court staff, clerks, attorneys, legal aid providers, and community members), navigating professional and interpersonal dynamics.
  • Provides strategic guidance on committee goals and deliverables, including drafting memoranda, proposed rules or policies, and implementation strategies.
  • Leads development of committee work product through legal research, drafting, synthesis of feedback, and revision to achieve consensus-based outcomes.
  • Plans and facilitates meetings; manages disagreements constructively; and ensures inclusive participation.
  • Prepares supporting materials and presents or supports presentation of committee recommendations to the ATJ Commission, Supreme Court committees, or the Illinois Supreme Court.
  • Manages administrative aspects of committee operations, including scheduling, agendas, logistics, meeting notes, and tracking action items.
  • Exercises independent judgment and subject-matter expertise in complex and politically sensitive contexts.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

A Juris Doctor degree and seven years of supervisory experience are required, along with a strong commitment to serving underserved and marginalized communities, self-represented litigants, and limited-English-proficient litigants. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in civil legal aid, marketing experience within the legal aid or non-profit context, extensive familiarity and comfort with adopting emerging technologies, regular court appearances within the Illinois court system, court or public administration involving project management, or substantial pro bono activities.

SELECTION FACTORS

• Understanding of barriers facing SRLs and LEP litigants' ability to participate in the court process as well as familiarity with the Access to Justice policy issues.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of court management and operations.
• Skills in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience in supervising staff, successful projects, and managing staff or volunteers.
• Familiarity with court-based technology like electronic filing service providers, online dispute resolution, and other remote access technology like Zoom.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe, and Zoom.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of short-term and long-range project management.
• Strong conflict resolution, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Delegating tasks appropriately, making sound and timely decisions, and actively contributing to policy development and strategic planning efforts.
• Use of independent judgment within established practice and procedural guidelines.
• Ability to collect data and prepare statistical and informational reports.
• Ability to coordinate with councils, committees, state agencies, and other organizations.
• Must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and demonstrate proof of automobile insurance to operate a personal vehicle on state business, as well as maintain a safe driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicant must be a resident of the State of Illinois or be willing to relocate to the State of Illinois. This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time. This is a professional office working environment requiring telephone usage, ability to process written documents, and ability to operate a computer. Applicant must have the ability to travel throughout the state including overnight stays as required. Eligible employees in this position may have the option to participate in a hybrid work arrangement, allowing flexibility to work remotely as appropriate.

Interested persons should submit - via email - a letter of interest, resume, and completed Judicial Branch Employment Application to: courtemployment@IllinoisCourts.gov

Applications received by Friday, March 27, 2026, will receive first consideration.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER