Assistant Attorney General - Public Interest Counsel

Salary

$110,000.00 - $140,000.00 Annually

Location

Chicago, IL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

25-AAG-PUB-INT-CSL

Administration

Chief Deputy - Attorney General

Bureau

Public Interest Division

Opening Date

02/06/2026

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Public Interest Division brings affirmative litigation to protect the rights and interests of Illinois residents and defends state laws regarding reproductive rights, gun violence prevention, immigrants’ rights, and workers’ rights. In addition to these long-standing commitments, attorneys in the Division are currently at the forefront of the Attorney General’s wide-ranging effort to challenge unlawful actions by the federal government. The Public Interest Counsel supports this work through leading and assisting litigation teams at the direction of Division and office leadership.



Responsibilities :


The Public Interest Counsel is an experienced litigator capable of leading and contributing to teams handling complex, high-profile lawsuits. As a direct report to the Chief and Deputy Chiefs of the Public Interest Division, the Public Interest Counsel frequently serves in a lead or co-lead counsel role on teams comprised of Assistant Attorneys General from the Division’s seven Bureaus (Civil Rights, Workplace Rights, Disability Rights, Special Litigation, Antitrust, Public Utilities, Tobacco Enforcement). The types of cases assigned to the Public Interest Counsel cover a range of subject matter, often involve novel statutory interpretation questions and constitutional issues, and require coordination with internal and external stakeholders. The Public Interest Counsel formulates and executes litigation strategy for both affirmative and defensive matters arising in state and federal courts, frequently in collaboration with other attorney general offices from around the country.

Qualifications

Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois. Candidates should have at least ten years of post-J.D. legal experience and possess excellent research and writing skills. Candidates with significantly more legal experience are welcome to apply. Experience with complex, multi-party litigation in federal court is a plus. Candidates must have demonstrated commitment to public service and experience in enforcing state and federal administrative and civil rights laws and in constitutional litigation. Candidates must also be able to work independently, interact with a diverse group of colleagues and stakeholders, and possess strong research, analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Supplemental Information

Salaries are commensurate with number of years of practice as a licensed attorney and range from $110,000 to $140,000.

To ensure full consideration, please send cover letter, resume, three professional references, and writing sample to:

Attorney Recruitment

Attn: Thor Inouye

Office of the Illinois Attorney General

115 S. LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL 60603

(312) 814-3695

(312) 814-5024 (Fax)

[email protected]

Employer

Illinois Attorney General (IL)

Address

500 S. 2nd St.


Springfield, Illinois, 62701

Phone

217-524-9075
312-814-5698

Website

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.


Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.

As an employee of the Illinois Attorney General's Office, you'll have access to many great benefits. Join the legal team responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and the people of Illinois!

• Health and Dental insurance along with free Vision insurance*
• Pension Benefits through the State Employees'; Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation: supplemental retirement savings program-457k
• Commuter Savings Program: pre-tax transportation program
• Flexible Spending: Medical and Dependent pre-tax savings program
• Life insurance benefit: free with option to purchase additional (up to 8 x your annual salary) at low cost. Spouse and child life insurance available
• Disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program through ComPsych
• Holidays: 13 1/2 paid
• Vacation days: minimum of 12 days, maximum of 27 days, prorated
• Personal days: 4 annually
• Floating Holiday: 1 annually
• Sick days: 1 per month
• For attorneys, office provided Continuing Legal Education
• Semi-monthly payroll

• Health and Dental cost ranges: for single: $131.00 - $314.00 monthly; for family: $299.00 - $653.00 monthly

For more information on benefits: visit cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html