Website Illinois Department of Agriculture
The Illinois Department of Agriculture seeks a professional who is licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois to serve as the Department’s representative at administrative hearings and to assist with Department rulemaking and other legal matters.
The Department’s administrative rulemaking covers a variety of program areas. Anticipated and ongoing rulemakings include hemp, cannabis, and animal health matters. The Administrative Hearings and Rulemaking Attorney covers all aspects of the administrative hearing for the Department, from review of the assessed fine/penalty, to presenting evidence at an administrative hearing, and all steps in between, including contact with respondents and status hearings. This position also has the possibility of a remote/hybrid work schedule.
Essential Functions
-Under general direction of the General Counsel, serves as the Department’s primary representation at administrative hearings.
-Drafts administrative rules to implement statutes administered by the Department. Researches, develops and writes proposals affecting changes in statutes and administrative rules.
-Assists the General Counsel and Deputy General in reviewing and drafting miscellaneous contracts; provides counsel to Labor Relations Administrator regarding issues of discipline, administrative hearings, and other labor relations issues.
-Plans, directs and conducts extensive and complex legal research or administrative studies as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
-Requires completion of the core curriculum for graduation from an accredited law school.
-Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.
-Requires three years professional experience in the practice of law.
Preferred Qualifications
-Prefers thorough knowledge of civil law, judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and of the rules of evidence, hearings, and trial procedures.
-Prefers thorough knowledge of common law, Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to the agency program.
-Prefers thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices and references utilized in legal research.
-Prefers experience as an attorney conducting legal research, presenting cases before a judge, and drafting legal opinions.
-Prefers experience as an attorney in drafting proposed legislation, rules, and/or policies.
Conditions of Employment
-Requires the ability to pass a background check.
-Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to travel.
About the Agency
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (AGR) administers an annual budget of more than $100 million and employs more than 300 people statewide, with several hundred more temporary employees hired during the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair. Separate bureaus administer programs and services directed at conserving the state’s land and water resources; protecting the health and welfare of livestock and companion animals; overseeing state and county fairs; regulating seed, feed and fertilizer products; ensuring the financial stability of grain dealers and warehouses; promoting Illinois food and agricultural products; and operating the state’s horse racing program.
AGR values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.
AGR offers a robust benefit package including;
-Monday-Friday work schedule
-Flexible work schedules in many program areas
-Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
-12 Weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
-Pension Plan
-Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
-Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually
-Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service
-Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date
-Thirteen – Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually
If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today!
To apply for this job email your details to AGR.HumanResources@illinois.gov