Assistant Legal Counsel (Assistant Legal Counsel #1521)

Position: Assistant Legal Counsel (Assistant Legal Counsel #1521)

Inventory#: 1521

Location: Chicago

Union: Exempt

Department: Legal

Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $85,951 - $113,884

Full Salary Range: $85,951 - $141,819

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Posted Date: April 16, 2026

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

​​​​​Reporting to the Director of Legal Counsel, exercises professional judgement in providing legal assistance to the State superintendent, Legal Officer and Agency staff regarding special education and will provide special education compliance and technical assistance in Chicago Public Schools ("Assistant General Counsel").

Duties and Responsibilities:

• ​Monitors Chicago Public Schools (CPS) compliance with special education laws and regulations generally, including but not limited to the Enhanced General Supervision Plan (EGSP), and serves as liaison between ISBE and CPS with regard to special education.
• Reports to the Director of Legal Counsel and works closely and collaboratively with the Special Education and Multilingual departments.
• In conjunction with a team of ISBE professionals, provides training and technical assistance in the areas of special education.
• Performs other duties as assigned.​​
  

Required Qualifications:

• ​A law degree from an accredited university. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• A license to practice law in the state of Illinois or the ability to become licensed prior to starting employment. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• At least three years of experience in special education or related field.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of related current practice, philosophy and law related to special education.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity for all students.
• Ability to think strategically and critically on both short, medium, and long term priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communications, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work across divisions and possess strong project management skills.
• Ability to provide training using multiple methods of engagement that is relevant across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Communication skills - ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, in writing and verbally across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Ability to facilitate small and large group meetings/presentations/discussions.
• Ability to maintain records, and prepare reports and correspondence related to the work.
• Interpersonal skills - cooperative, courteous, flexible, good natured, and concerned with being helpful and making a good impression and to represent ISBE in a positive manner.
• Effective work skills - conscientious, persistent, resourceful, productive, active, and able to develop effective working relationships.​
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five years of experience in special education or related field.
• ​Experience with large, complex urban school districts.​​​
  

ISBE provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We actively foster a culture of inclusion and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Illinois has an urgent and collective responsibility to achieve educational equity by ensuring that all policies, programs, and practices affirm the strengths that each and every child brings within their diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and by delivering the comprehensive supports, programs, and educational opportunities they need to succeed.