DEPUTY CHIEF COUNSEL - FIREARMS AND INVESTIGATIONS - SPSA, Opt 8L

State of Illinois

Chicago, IL

Job Requisition ID: 55070
Opening Date: 04/09/2026
Closing Date: 05/08/2026
Agency: Illinois State Police
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $10,000-$12,000 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook; Sangamon; St. Clair
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

Position Overview:

The Illinois State Police are seeking to fill the role of Deputy Chief Counsel for Firearms and Investigations. This role serves as a senior legal leader within the Illinois State Police (ISP), responsible for providing strategic legal guidance, operational oversight, and supervisory direction for all legal matters relating to firearms regulation and investigative operations. This position plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the work of the ISP legal team—individually and through subordinate professional and paraprofessional staff—across a broad array of specialized program areas. ISP encourages all those who qualify to apply!

The Illinois State Police offers a robust benefit package including:

Health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave.
Pension Plan
Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs.
Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually.
Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service.
Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Essential Functions

Serves as Deputy Chief Counsel for Firearms and Investigations.
Plans, organizes, controls, and directs, individually as well as through subordinate professional and paraprofessional staff, the activities of the ISP legal team, especially as it relates to firearms and investigative matters including the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS), Criminal History Record Information (CHRI), and Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS); Sex Offender Registration, Firearms Owners Identification (FOID), and Concealed Carry initiatives; criminal investigations; intelligence support; behavioral threat and assessment management; gaming enforcement; and special operations.
Serves as full line supervisor for Firearms and Investigation.
Provides legal instruction to sworn officers, especially as it relates to training; proactive enforcement of criminal and traffic laws; and Statewide 911, telecommunications, emergency radio equipment and communication systems, and emergency vehicles and safety equipment.
Serves as Chief Legal Counsel during the Chief's absence.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college.
Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.
Requires the possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
Requires four (4) years in the practice of law.

Preferred Qualifications

Prefers four (4) years of experience with legal research and writing.
Prefers three (3) years of experience supervising staff and/or other attorneys.
Prefers two (2) years of experience actively engaged in courtroom practice as a licensed attorney.
Prefers two (2) years of experience with the administrative rulemaking process in Illinois.
Prefers two (2) years of experience with drafting and reviewing contracts as a licensed attorney.
Prefers two (2) years of experience with state and federal firearms laws and regulations as a licensed attorney.
Prefers two (2) years of experience as a licensed attorney involved in the prosecution or defense of criminal cases.
Prefers two (2) years of experience as a licensed attorney handling offender registration or criminal history matters.

Conditions of Employment

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment to be considered for this position. The State of Illinois complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.

Pass the Illinois State Police Background Investigation.
Pass the Illinois State Police Drug Screening.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois State Police strives for excellence seeking to be one of the premiere policing agencies in the country. Our core values are Integrity, Service, and Pride. We are seeking individuals with similar values to join us on our mission to promote public safety.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Headquarter Location: 160 N Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60601
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: ISP.JobPostings@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Leadership & Management

Term Appointment:
Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Illinois State Police’s discretion.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: