Telephone
- 217/782-1809
Fax
- 217/785-2438
The
Office of Legal Counsel is responsible for providing advice to
the Department on all legal matters. It is responsible for providing
advice to the Director in establishing policies; preparing and
reviewing proposed legislation and administrative rules; ensuring
that all legal documents are properly administered; and the coordination
of legal service requirements with the Department, the Attorney
General’s Office and with other appropriate State, local
and private entities. In particular, the office:
•
Coordinates the Department’s efforts with the Attorney General’s
Office when the Department seeks a legal remedy against another
party.
•
Reviews all complaints, pleadings and legal memoranda regarding
any lawsuit brought against the Department in the Court of Claims
and coordinates the Department’s efforts with the Attorney
General’s Office in the defense of such claim.
•
Prepares legal memoranda on matters of law including the interpretation
of statutes, administrative rules and other regulations affecting
the Department and its staff.
• Assists in drafting or reviewing legislation which affects
Department policies.
•
Reviews and approves all legal documents executed by the director
or his designees such as contracts, Memorandum of Understanding,
etc.
•
Administers the Department’s administrative rule program.
•
Responds to Freedom of Information requests.
•
Provides legal counsel and assistance to all Office Directors
and the various divisions within the offices.
•
Assists States Attorneys in the prosecution of criminal matters
relating to the Department.
Legal Staff:
