Title: Associate/Assistant University Counsel $125K - $150K (Labor and Employment Emphasis)
Division Name: Presidential
Department: Office of General Counsel
Campus Location: Normal, IL
Job Summary
Under the direction of the General Counsel, Associate University Counsel provides support necessary for the performance of the official duties of University administrators, faculty, and staff with particular emphasis on labor and employment. Illinois State University has nineteen collective bargaining units covering approximately 2400 employees. This position will provide legal advice and representation to the University on labor and employment related matters including labor negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, hearings before the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (IELRB) and Illinois Labor Relations Board (ILRB), employment matters, including those under the State Universities Civil Service System, and other University administration matters, generally. This position will also have responsibilities in other practice areas as assigned, some of which may include HR, immigration, ADA, civil rights, and transactional work.
University Benefit Highlights
- Insurance benefits , including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday / administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time
Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
$125,000 - $150,000 annual salary
Required Qualifications
1. J.D. from an accredited United States law school.
2. Licensed to practice law in Illinois or the ability to become licensed within one year of employment.
3. Minimum of 5 years labor and employment practice.
4. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
5. Demonstrated ability to address and advise diverse groups of University stakeholders with confidence.
6. Excellent analytical skills and demonstrated ability to conduct legal research, identify and present solutions, develop effective strategies, and prepare sound legal opinions and other legal documents.
7. Demonstrated ability to prioritize, work on and advance multiple
concurrent, complex projects and issues.
8. Demonstrated ability to use common computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Adobe, Excel).
9. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively with professional colleagues and to instill confidence when advising senior University administration.
10. Demonstrated ability to effectively represent the University and Office of General Counsel with internal and external constituents.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Five or more years of Illinois labor law experience, preferably representing public institutions of higher education or other state or local government agencies.
2. Equal employment opportunity, civil rights, HR, and immigration law experience.
3. Experience in business transactions, including contract creation, review, and negotiation.
4. Experience in reviewing, monitoring and advising on legislative and regulatory matters at the federal or state levels.
6. An appreciation of the uniqueness of the academic environment and its many different stakeholder populations.
Work Hours
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm. Occasional nights and weekends as needed.
Functional Expectations
Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Effectively communicate with all University populations, particularly with University leadership and senior administration.
2. Work for extended periods at computer workstation.
3. Traverse campus to various locations to conduct day to day work.
Proposed Starting Date
February 1, 2027
Required Applicant Documents
1. Resume / C.V.
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for Applicants
Application submission deadline: December 31, 2026.
Contact Information for Applicants
Meghan Lugo
Employment Consultant
Important Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
