About Illinois Policy Institute
The Illinois Policy Institute is the strongest voice for taxpayers in the state and one of the nation's leading free-market public policy organizations. We educate and engage Illinoisans from all walks of life to advance policies that promote economic freedom, personal liberty and good governance – working to ensure Illinois is a state where families, businesses and communities can thrive.
The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research organization. Our partner organization, Illinois Policy, is an independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(4) advocacy organization.
About the role
The Illinois Policy Institute is launching a new effort to pursue strategic, high-impact cases that advance free-market principles, protect taxpayers, and enforce transparency and accountability in Illinois government. This is a founding attorney role in a multi-year program to build a disciplined litigation docket.
We are seeking an experienced litigator to further the institute's goals by advocating for the constitutional and statutory rights of Illinois' residents. This includes strategic litigation that advances the principles of free enterprise and government accountability.
This role is ideal for someone passionate about the institute's values and public-interest litigation. The attorney will litigate a wide range of cases, including under the Illinois state constitution, Freedom of Information Act, Open Meetings Act, Whistleblower Act and other related laws to protect individual rights, advance constitutionally limited government and support the Illinois Policy Institute's investigations and research concerning government overreach, abuse of property rights and misuse of public funds.
Applicants should thrive in an entrepreneurial, creative, and fast-paced environment. They should have a clear commitment to free-market principles.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Identifying and developing cases, including researching laws and legal issues, and speaking with Illinoisans to advance cases that promote the institute's mission.
Litigating cases that further Illinoisans' economic liberty and property rights. This includes drafting complaints and motions, drafting and responding to written discovery, taking and defending depositions, and presenting oral arguments.
Participating in media interviews, panels and events, and drafting op-eds or articles related to legal issues in Illinois.
Collaborating with institute leadership and colleagues to advance overlapping priorities.
Qualifications and requirements
Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
A minimum of three years of litigation experience, including first-chair experience in evidentiary hearings, depositions and preferably some trial or appellate experience.
License to practice in Illinois.
Excellent oral and written advocacy skills.
Capacity to handle multiple cases simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Alignment with the institute's priorities and mission, coupled with a strong desire to contribute to and grow the institute's initiatives.
Compensation
Range of $90,000 to $145,000 base salary, commensurate with experience. Opportunity for performance-based bonuses on top of base salary. Compensation package includes health (medical and dental plans with employer-paid share), 401(k), flexible spending benefits and vacation and sick days.
Location:
The litigator will work in our Chicago office. The Illinois Policy Institute has a hybrid work policy under which employees can work from home for up to two days each week. The litigator will travel as necessary.
How to apply
To apply, qualified individuals should submit the following application materials:
Cover letter including:
An introductory paragraph(s) describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to the institute's mission and how you came to those beliefs. Be sure to include at least one specific issue, case or policy area that resonates with you.
Salary requirements.
Resume
While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.