Teacher Retirement System of the State of Illinois - Job Posting

Teacher Retirement System of the State of Illinois - Job Posting

Internal and external applicants are being sought for:

Position Title: Assistant Legal Counsel
Department: Executive
Supervisor: Senior Legal Counsel
Salary Grade: 113 ($77,012 - $120,139)
Closing Date: December 31, 2020


Under the direction of the Senior Legal Counsel, the Assistant Legal Counsel assists in the Office of Legal Counsel’s mission to provide legal services, advice and counsel, and opinions to support the administration of TRS programs, planning, and decision making.

Education Requirements: All candidates must be a graduate of and hold a JD from an accredited law school and be a licensed attorney in good standing in the State of Illinois.

Experience: Previous experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: public/governmental retirement plans; tax-qualified retirement plans; institutional investor representation; investment and agency contracting and procurement; open government.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: This in-house attorney position assists the Senior Legal Counsel by providing research, drafting, legal analysis, and advice. The incumbent performs detailed legal research concerning statutory interpretation and compliance; drafts legal memoranda, briefs, and administrative rules; reviews System contracts and procurement documents, publications, and policies; and interacts with staff and external parties regarding legal matters affecting the System. The position serves as backup and support to the FOIA Officer.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: The Assistant Legal Counsel must possess strong legal research and writing capabilities, careful attention to detail and timelines, and computer and organizational skills to handle routine administrative and clerical duties to aid smooth workflow in a small department. The incumbent must maintain strict confidentiality, handling all matters with discretion, decorum, and the highest ethical standards befitting the legal profession and the fiduciary duty owed to the System.

Assistant Legal Counsel
Selection Criteria

Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Job Knowledge and Experience
Management Skills
Problem Solving Skills
Technical Skills

Analytical Skills: The ability to define the elements and constraints in a situation; find the linear relationships that exist; create and test assumptions; and, determine one or more correct solutions or approaches to a problem.

Communication Skills: The ability to construct, orally or in writing, arguments and propositions that explain clearly and persuasively the intent of the message being conveyed.

Interpersonal Skills: The ability to communicate decisions and directions to a variety of individuals in a manner that neither confuses nor irritates the recipient. The ability to coordinate the efforts of a disparate group toward the accomplishment of organization goals and objectives.

Job Knowledge and Experience: Has completed specified amount of time previously performing essential duties of the job and/or has completed specified degrees, coursework, or training programs to perform the job. Possesses a body of information or level of understanding necessary to complete assigned responsibilities.

Management Skills: The ability to define goals, envision alternative futures, focus available resources on organizational outcomes and direct the energy of staff toward the accomplishment of objectives.

Problem Solving Skills: Ability to accurately define a problem; envision or create viable alternatives; weight and/or rank order the alternatives; and, apply an appropriate problem solving methodology.

Technical Skills: Thorough knowledge, understanding, interpretation and application of the federal and state laws governing TRS as well as a knowledge of TRS administrative policies and procedures.

Interested candidates please send resume to Jennie McAnarney at jmcanarney@trsil.org

Elisa Fox