Assistant Legal Counsel
Assistant Legal Counsel
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$ 98759 - 154065
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Job Requisition ID:49334
Closing Date: 09/05/2025
Agency:Teachers Retirement System of the State of Illinois
Salary: $98759.78 - $154065
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
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Careers Teachers Retirement System of the State of Illinois
The Teachers Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) is one of the largest public pension systems in the United States. We provide retirement disability and survivor benefits to teachers administrators and other public-school personnel employed outside the city of Chicago.
TRS serves over 456000 members and manages a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio for the exclusive benefit of the membership.
TRS is an agency of the State of Illinois governed by a Board of Trustees. Full-and part-time employees are eligible for the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program which includes medical dental and vision coverage. All employees hired after August 17 2001 participate in the TRS retirement pension plan. Employees also have the option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans. The TRS pension plan is a participating reciprocal system under the Illinois Pension Code Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act.
Learn more about careers at TRS: Careers Teachers Retirement System of the State of Illinois
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 youre helping to improve schools protect our natural resources or support families in need youre part of something biggersomething that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career youre 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.
Job Summary
Under supervision of the Senior Legal Counsel the Assistant Legal Counsel is an in-house position that assists 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. The incumbent performs detailed research concerning statutory interpretation and legal compliance; analyzes member benefit and employer reporting issues; drafts legal memoranda correspondence administrative rules publications and policies and other documents; and assists in identifying and addressing System legal risks in contract and procurement matters. The position may also provide backup in the management of Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and administration of Qualified Illinois Domestic Relations Orders (QILDROs) that apply to TRS members and related work of the Office of Legal Counsel.
The incumbent assists in responding to issues brought to the attention of the Office of Legal Counsel but must also proactively identify legal vulnerabilities and offer preventive guidance concerning all matters in support of managements planning strategy and decision making. 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.
The incumbent 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. Careful attention to detail and timelines dependability and computer and organizational skills to handle duties is required to aid smooth workflow in a small legal department. While legal acumen is essential the incumbent 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 and advice regarding the administration of the System including member benefits employer reporting and statutory interpretation
- Maintain familiarity with applicable law administrative rules and TRS policies and procedures and recommend revisions to align with best practices and to protect System interests
- Assist with contract and procurement matters
- Interact with others as appropriate to complete assigned duties
- Provide backup coverage to internal counsel on System legal matters
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Occasional travel may be required
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- Instills commitment to organizational goals
- Demonstrates excellent judgement and decision making skills
- Ability to work within tight timeframes and meet deadlines
- Proactively approaches responsibilities
- Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
Essential Function 4
- 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
- 1-3 years experience working as a licensed attorney and/or summer associate 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 retirement plans
- Agency contracting and procurement
- Legislative/statutory interpretation
Work Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Work Location: 2815 W. Washington St. Springfield IL 62702-3397
Agency Contact: Chiquita Walls
Email:
Phone #:
Posting Group: Legal Audit & Compliance
TRS is anon-codestateagency.
**APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS**
Candidates must submit applications through the TRS Careers Website:
Careers Teachers Retirement System of the State of Illinois
Please follow all instructions and include all required documents. 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.
TRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application interviewing or completing any pre-employment testing please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at or Hiring decisions are not based on or affected by political factors including political sponsorship affiliation or support.
Employment Type
Full Time
