ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE

Job Requisition ID: 54267

Opening Date: 03/19/2026

Closing Date: 04/02/2026

Agency: Department of Employment Security

Class Title: HEARINGS REFEREE - 18300

Skill Option: None

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated starting salary $7,787 monthly; Full range $7,787 - $11,450 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 4

Bargaining Unit Code: RC010 Professional Legal Unit, AFSCME

Merit Comp Code:

This posting lists 33 S. State Street, Chicago, IL. 60603 as the Work Location. Effective February 1, 2025, this position was relocated to 115 S. LaSalle, Chicago, IL. 60603

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

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 you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible 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.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as an Administrative Law Judge. Responsibilities include preparing and conducting hearings and making decisions on appeals pursuant to the Illinois Unemployment Insurance (UI) Act, maintaining case records, and responding to inquiries related to cases. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who has a strong knowledge of UI law and is dedicated to applying legal rulings and principles to fact situations found within the cases. The ideal candidate for this position will have extensive experience in administrative law and analyzing financial information for legal cases. IDES offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of Illinois employers and job seekers.

Essential Functions

• Under direction, serves as an Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
• Maintains records of all cases assigned
• Responds to inquiries related to hearings cases in person, in writing and by telephone
• Performs specific legal research and participates on ad hoc agency committees and panels as directed
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires graduation from a recognized law school
• Requires the possession of a license to practice law in Illinois
• Requires two (2) years professional experience in litigation, administrative hearings, or related legal work

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten (10) years of trial or hearing experience, applying legal rulings and principles to fact situations found within the cases
• Experience drafting complex and technical legal documents in simple language
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products, including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Experience applying provisions of Unemployment Insurance law to cases
• Experience in administrative law
• Experience analyzing financial information for legal cases

Conditions of Employment

• Requires an Illinois State Police background check and self-disclosure of any criminal history
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Employment Security’s (IDES) mission is to serve Illinois workers and employers to the best of our ability and to use our knowledge of the Illinois workforce to inform sound policy decision making. IDES encourages economic growth and stability in Illinois by providing vital Employment Services to Illinois residents and employers, analyzing and disseminating actionable Labor Market Information, and administering Unemployment Insurance programs.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Headquarter Location: 33 S State St, Chicago, Illinois, 60603

Work County: Cook

Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]