Supervising Senior Policy Attorney - Administrative Office Illinois Courts

Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts
222 N. La Salle
13 Floor
Chicago , IL 60601
United States

Two in person office days required. Offices in Chicago and Springfield.

The Access to Justice Division's (ATJ Division) objective is to improve access to the justice system for all users, particularly to those who are low-income or have difficulty accessing the courts, through creating standardized statewide court forms, improving language access and interpreter services, and developing training materials and educational programs for judges and court personnel, among other priorities. We share a vision of a community free from bias, systemic unfairness, and oppression, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

The Supervising Senior Policy Attorney a supervisory, professional position responsible for identifying ways for the Judicial Branch to address the growing numbers self-represented litigants (SRL) and limited English proficient (LEP) litigants coming to court with a focus on technology and elevation of resources through systematic outreach. Work is performed with considerable independence and with wide latitude for professional judgement under the general supervision of the Director of the Access to Justice Division.

It is anticipated the position will focus on the following areas:

• General
  • Serves as a member of the ATJ Division leadership team, which includes priority setting and development and execution of a yearly operational plan with a focus on outreach approaches to increase awareness, understanding, and use of ATJ Division and Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) resources, including standardized forms, bench cards, judicial tools, and Illinois Court Help hotline services.
  • Leads the creation and deployment of strategic engagement initiatives, including digital campaigns, social media initiatives, toolkits, and other creative dissemination methods, to ensure stakeholders receive clear, actionable information through multiple channels.
  • Identifies, analyzes, and helps courts implement best practices for technology-based programs and services to empower SRLs and LEP litigants to more fully participate in their court case.
  • Coordinates and provides the perspectives of court users who have difficulty accessing justice on current technology related initiatives such as e-filing, remote appearances, online dispute resolution, video remote interpretation, and identifies and develops new technology initiatives as they relate to ensuring SRL and LEP litigants can meaningfully participate in their court cases and court services in collaboration with other court stakeholders.
  • In evaluating and implementing technology-based programs and services, considers the user experience and user-center design.
  • In addition to the duties listed below, performs other duties as assigned.
• Program Leadership and Oversight
  • Independently leads high-impact initiatives aligned with the ATJ Commission’s strategic plan and the Access to Justice Division’s priorities, with minimal supervision.
  • Oversees and advances complex program areas (e.g., e-filing user experience, Remote Appearance Program, law student and policy pipelines), from concept through implementation.
  • Identifies, analyzes, and applies best practices based on emerging research, trends, and evolving court and user needs.
  • Manages complex projects, including setting timelines, coordinating internal and external partners, and tracking progress.
  • Supervises and supports assigned staff, providing guidance, feedback, and performance management.
  • Serves as a subject-matter expert and trusted resource to judges, court administrators, and circuit clerks on issues affecting self-represented litigants and court access.
  • Conducts legal and policy research; analyzes program data; and prepares memoranda, reports, and white papers to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Represents the Division and Commission at local, state, and national meetings and conferences.
  • Builds and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, including courts, legal aid and pro bono providers, bar associations, funders, and community-based organizations.
• Committee Staffing and Facilitation (ATJ Commission and Supreme Court Committees)
  • Leads all aspects of staffing and supporting Supreme Court Commission, Access to Justice Division, and Illinois Supreme Court committees, task forces, and work groups.
  • Designs and manages committee recruitment and onboarding processes, including application development, review, interviews, selection, and orientation.
  • Facilitates collaboration among diverse stakeholders (judges, court staff, clerks, attorneys, legal aid providers, and community members), navigating professional and interpersonal dynamics.
  • Provides strategic guidance on committee goals and deliverables, including drafting memoranda, proposed rules or policies, and implementation strategies.
  • Leads development of committee work product…