The City's Department of Law is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel III ("ACC") in its Constitutional & Commercial Litigation Division.

The Constitutional and Commercial Litigation Division represents the City and City officials in a broad range of constitutional and commercial matters in both federal and state courts, specializing in cases raising complex, novel, or high-profile legal issues. Attorneys in the Division litigate constitutional challenges to the City's ordinances and policies, such as First Amendment speech and religion challenges to the regulations governing Millennium Park, Second Amendment claims against City gun control measures, and due process and equal protection challenges to City regulations governing the ridesharing and homesharing industries. As another example, the Division has defended many of the constitutional and statutory challenges to the City's efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Attorneys in the Division also defend City land development and zoning decisions, such as ordinances authorizing the Obama Presidential Center and the Lincoln Yards development, and ordinances fostering affordable housing. The Division also defends City policies and ordinances in suits bringing challenges under federal and state statutes, including cases asserting preemption under federal or state law. The Division also litigates commercial matters across many legal and factual areas, including construction, government procurement, and contracts. Many of the Division's matters involve working directly with other City departments and client representatives from those departments. The Division also provides advice and counseling to City departments and officials concerning policy development.

The Assistant Corporation Counsel will work on a broad range of issues under the general supervision of the Division's Deputy and Chief.

Application Process and Materials

By the post-extension date October 3, 2023, you must submit an on-line application that attaches the following materials:

• Cover letter that (1) includes the position title and job number as noted on the posting; and (2) specifically identifies how you meet the minimum qualifications and have the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (official or unofficial);
• One writing sample; and
• Current printout of your attorney registration status from the Illinois ARDC website at www.iardc.org (or your admitted state bar's equivalent).

Failure to submit all materials will result in your application not being considered for the position.

NOTE REGARDING PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS: Working for the City of Chicago Department of Law may qualify you for loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For detailed information, visit or contact your federal loan servicer.

NOTE REGARDING QUESTIONS: If you have any questions regarding how to apply, please contact the Department of Human Resources. Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive, the Recruiting and Personnel Sections in the Department of Law are not able to take or return emails or phone calls seeking any information pertaining to the position or the process. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in the City of Chicago Department of Law.

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE.

Qualifications

Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school and admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligible for admission on motion to the Illinois Bar pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 705).

Disclaimer - "Accredited" means any American law school that has passed and maintains the requirements of accreditation by the American Bar Association ().

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ideal candidates will possess the following:

• At least one (1) year of litigation experience in state or federal court in one or more of the following areas: drafting substantive motions, arguing substantive motions in court, assisting in jury or bench trials, taking or defending depositions, or clerking for a state or federal court judge;
• Superior academic achievement as shown by measures such as grade point average, class rank, honors, or participation in at least one of the following activities in law school: law review, law journal, moot court, or judicial externship or internship;
• Ability to research and analyze complex issues;
• Ability to persuasively articulate factual and legal arguments both in writing and orally;
• Experience negotiating settlements or drafting settlement agreements;
• Ability to take initiative and assume responsibility for assigned tasks;
• Ability to organize and prioritize workflow to meet deadlines;
• Ability to work well with colleagues and supervisors;
• Ability to work well with client department representatives; and
• Commitment to public service.

NOTE: To be considered for this position you must provide information about your educational background and your work experience. You must include job titles, dates of employment, and specific job duties. (If you are a current City employee, Acting Up cannot be considered.) If you fail to provide this information at the time you submit your application, it will be incomplete and you will not be considered for this position. There are three ways to provide the information: 1) you may attach a resume; 2) you may paste a resume; or 3) you can complete the online resume fields.

Education & Employment Verification - Please be advised that if you are selected to be hired you must provide, upon request, adequate information regarding your educational and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position for which you are applying. If the City of Chicago cannot verify this information, any offer extended to you will be withdrawn and you will not be hired.

NOTE: You must provide your transcripts or diploma, professional license, or training certificates at time of processing, if applicable.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

Evaluation: Your initial evaluation will be based on the documents submitted. Applications must be submitted by the individual applicant. No second party applications will be accepted.

Residency Requirement: All employees of the City of Chicago must be actual residents of the City of Chicago as outlined in 2-152-050 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to disability or pregnancy in order to participate in the application process, please contact the City of Chicago, Department of Human Resources, at 312-744-4976 (voice) or 312-744-5035 (TTY). Please be prepared to provide information in support of your reasonable accommodation request.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ANY AND ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson

Mayor