Open Roles for Attorneys at DCFS
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is accepting applications for multiple attorney positions.
Cook County Regional Counsel (3 Vacancies) — Chicago, IL
Title: Technical Advisor II – Cook County Regional Counsel
Work Location: 2245 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL, 60612
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $6,589/month (step 1b) Full Range $6,589 - $9,541
Closing Date/Time: 3/11/2026
Essential Functions
- Serves as Cook County Regional Counsel
- As directed, provides input into or conducts screenings to determine whether matters are legally sufficient to present to the court
- Provides input into the planning and development of training for staff on legal issues
- As directed, makes periodic visits to assigned area office(s) to provide on-site legal consultation to workers
- Prepares memoranda on legal issues
- Maintains current working knowledge of relevant federal and state statutory and case law, state and federal regulations, and Department policy and procedures
- Maintains records of activities and actions taken on behalf of the Department and reports to supervisor regarding same
- 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
- Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
Senior Regional Counsel (3 Vacancies) — Springfield, IL
Title: Public Service Administrator – Senior Regional Counsel
Work Location: 4 W Old State Capitol Plz, Springfield, IL, 62701
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $9,167 - $10,500/month
Closing Date/Time: 3/4/2026
Essential Functions
- Serves as Senior Regional Counsel
- Interviews Department witnesses
- Evaluates cases involving clients where the Department is involved in court or seeking expunction or indication
- Serves as legal advisor to regional field staff
- Plans, directs, and conducts technical legal screening and provides case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors to help prepare cases for termination of parental rights (TPR), to determine when cases are trial ready for TPR
- Serves as Department liaison to judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and various court personnel in numerous counties in the region
- Maintains current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and all relevant law
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
- Requires three years of experience in the practice of law
Senior Regional Counsel — Rock Island, IL
Title: Public Service Administrator – Senior Regional Counsel
Work Location: 500 42nd St, Rock Island, IL, 61201
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $9,167 - $10,500/month
Closing Date/Time: 3/11/2026
Essential Functions
- Serves as Supervisory Regional Counsel
- Provides technical advice and counsel to Agency personnel conducting all levels of administrative “fair hearings”
- Serves as full line supervisor
- Serves as legal advisor to regional field staff
- Plans, directs, and conducts technical legal screening and provides case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors to help prepare cases for termination of parental rights (TPR), to determine when cases are trial ready for TPR
- Serves as agency liaison to judiciary, State’s Attorney offices, and various court personnel in each county in the region
- Maintains current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and all relevant law
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
- Requires three years of experience in the practice of law