Director of Lawyer Well-Being, Probation, and Deferral Services

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The Director of Lawyer Well-Being, Probation, and Deferral Services provides strategic and operational leadership for the Commission's lawyer well-being, probation, deferral, diversion, and related restorative services programs. The Director oversees programs designed to protect the public while supporting attorneys whose professional performance has been affected by mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or other impairments.
The Director develops and advances innovative, evidence-informed programs that balance accountability with rehabilitation and support. Working collaboratively across the organization, the Director builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and serves as a trusted resource on the intersection of lawyer well-being, impairment, and lawyer regulation. The Director is expected not only to administer existing programs, but also to continually evaluate, improve, and expand them in furtherance of the Commission's mission, strategic priorities, and commitment to organizational excellence.
As a member of the Commission's management team, the Director contributes to organizational planning and decision-making beyond the responsibilities of the department and helps advance a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the Commission. The Director leads through influence, sound judgment, and partnership, helping to strengthen both the Commission's programs and its organizational capacity.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDevelop and execute a long-term vision for the Commission's probation, deferral, diversion, and lawyer well-being programsIdentify opportunities to improve program effectiveness through innovation, technology, partnerships, and evidence-informed practicesDevelop performance measures and utilize data to evaluate program outcomes and guide continuous improvementEnsure departmental initiatives support the Commission's Strategic Plan and organizational priorities
Program AdministrationDirect all aspects of the Commission's probation and deferral programsOversee monitoring of attorneys participating in probation, diversion, and other regulatory support programsEnsure programs are administered consistently, fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with Supreme Court Rules, Commission policies, and applicable lawDevelop policies, procedures, and best practices governing program operations
Leadership and SupervisionLead, mentor, and develop department staffFoster a culture of accountability, empathy, continuous learning, collaboration, and high performanceManage departmental workload, resources, budgeting, and operational prioritiesPromote effective cross-functional collaboration throughout the Commission
Subject Matter ExpertiseServe as the Commission's principal internal resource regarding lawyer impairment, recovery, monitoring, and lawyer well-beingMaintain current knowledge regarding mental health, substance use disorders, trauma-informed practices, behavioral health research, and developments affecting the legal professionAdvise Commission leadership regarding emerging issues and opportunities
External Relations and Public EngagementRepresent the Commission before bar associations, courts, law schools, lawyer assistance programs, regulatory organizations, and professional conferencesDevelop and deliver educational programs regarding lawyer well-being, impairment, professionalism, diversion, probation, and public protectionBuild collaborative relationships with treatment providers, monitoring professionals, lawyer assistance programs, judges, and other stakeholdersParticipate in state and national organizations focused on lawyer regulation and lawyer well-being
Regulatory JudgmentExercise sound judgment in balancing public protection, accountability, rehabilitation, and fairnessConsult with investigative and litigation staff on matters involving impairmentRecommend appropriate interventions, monitoring conditions, and program improvementsAssist in the development of policies addressing emerging issues involving attorney impairment and professional responsibility
Qualifications and Desired SkillsJ.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school and an active member of the bar in good standingActive Illinois bar license (or eligibility to obtain admission promptly)Accomplished attorney with a minimum10-15 years of legal practice, demonstrated by a track record of steadily expanding scope and leadershipDemonstrated leadership experience supervising professional staff or complex programsSignificant experience working with individuals experiencing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or other behavioral health challengesExperience in attorney discipline, lawyer regulation, lawyer assistance, judicial administration, professional licensing, or a comparable regulatory environment.Graduate education or significant formal training in behavioral health, addiction studies, counseling, psychology, social work, public health, or related disciplines.Experience designing, implementing, or expanding organizational programs.Experience speaking or publishing on lawyer well-being, behavioral health, or professional responsibility.Familiarity with trauma-informed practices, motivational interviewing, recovery-oriented systems of care, or similar evidence-based approaches. Excellent written, verbal, and public presentation skillsCommitment to ARDC's mission and values
The ARDC is committed to a culture of inclusion. We offer a hybrid schedule, a congenial work environment, and a competitive benefits package. Salary will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications, with a targeted salary range of $140,000 to $180,000.
The ARDC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. xzbcwsv If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.