Salary: $87,920.00 - $107,550.00 Annually
Location : Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: VLGSfellowship2026
Administration: Chief Deputy - Attorney General
Opening Date: 11/02/2026
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities The Illinois Attorney General plays a critical role in the enforcement of civil environmental laws. The Attorney General's primary role in environmental enforcement is handling enforcement actions referred to the Office by various state agencies, including the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and others. The Division also has authority to initiate cases on its own motion and engages in outreach to community members to learn of potential violations of environmental laws that are endangering the health and well-being of families and communities. The Division works to stop pollution and ensure that polluters, not taxpayers, pay the cost of cleanup.
The Illinois Attorney General's Office also ensures that federal agencies and officials comply with constitutional and statutory obligations and that federal environmental policies and actions do not unlawfully impinge on Illinois laws, Illinois residents, or the state of Illinois.
Responsibilities:
This Assistant Attorney General will pursue the Attorney General's environmental justice and environmental protection agenda, including enforcing Illinois' environmental laws, promoting clean energy, addressing climate change, and advocating on other environmental matters of regional and national importance. The position will focus on combatting rollbacks of federal environmental, natural resource, and energy regulations that are important to the residents of Illinois. Responsibilities include evaluating potential and pending civil litigation, developing legal arguments and strategies, and collaborating with stakeholders to advance these efforts. The Assistant Attorney General may participate in litigation before state, federal, and appellate courts, as well as administrative agencies. The Assistant Attorney General will dually report to the Environmental Enforcement and Public Interest Divisions.
Qualifications Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois. Candidates should have at least three years of post-J.D. legal experience, and candidates at various experience levels will be considered. Candidates with significantly more legal experience are welcome to apply. Candidates must possess excellent research and writing skills and must have demonstrated commitment to public service and experience in enforcing state and/or federal environmental laws. 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. Candidates should have a demonstrated working knowledge of environmental and/or energy law and a strong background in federal administrative law.
Supplemental Information The position is a fellowship funded by the Vermont Law & Graduate School (VLGS). This is a one-year fellowship position. We anticipate, but cannot guarantee, that it will be extended for at least an additional year, contingent on funding. The Assistant Attorney General will be employed by VLGS and seconded to the Attorney General's Office.
Salaries are commensurate with number of years of practice as a licensed attorney. For example, attorneys salaries for candidates with the minimum three years of practice as a licensed attorney start at $ 87,920 and range up to $ 107,550, based upon years of experience as a licensed attorney. This position is eligible to receive benefits afforded to VLGS employees generally, including individual and family health insurance, vision, and dental insurance, disability insurance, and the ability to contribute to a retirement plan, as well as paid holidays, paid vacation, and sick leave per year.
To ensure full consideration, please attach a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and writing sample.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:Attn: Hanan Malik
Office of the Illinois Attorney General
115 S. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 814-3695
(312) 814-5024 (Fax)
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
- Health Savings Account
- 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
- 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: $120.00 - $322.00 monthly; for family: $292.00 - $665.00 monthly
For more information on benefits:
