Assistant General Counsel - Transactions

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 340,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission we make three commitments to our students, their families and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership and continuous learning.

CPS is seeking an experienced attorney who can hit the ground running in the Transactions Unit as Assistant General Counsel. The successful candidate must have experience in commercial contract drafting and negotiations, demonstrated corporate generalist experience and strong client counseling background in a deadline-driven, high volume environment. The Assistant General Counsel will handle contracts and related legal issues and questions of substantial complexity and must have a broad range of knowledge and skill on general legal matters, public procurement laws and risks impacting organizations.

The Assistant General Counsel is accountable for the following responsibilities and other projects as needed:

• Independently review, structure, draft, negotiate and advise on a wide range of contracts and transactions, including general services, technology, data sharing and protection, research, supply, financings, and related procurement documents and solicitations.

• Provide pragmatic, focused legal counsel to internal stakeholders on transactional matters, interpretation of contractual provisions, laws, CPS rules, and policies.

• Be an active, collaborative partner, applying combined operational and legal judgment to proposed deals, relationships and other issues requiring legal or compliance attention.

• Update and maintain accurate status and relevant information on assigned matters in unit databases.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Assistant General Counsel must possess the following qualifications:

Type of Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Must be licensed to practice law and in good standing in the State of Illinois.

Type of Experience and Number of Years:

• Minimum of 3 years of related experience as an attorney at a law firm and/or as in-house counsel.
• Education or public agency experience a plus, but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated ability to quickly grasp and effectively communicate complex concepts, define problems and analyze issues relating to contracts, statutes, policy and operations, and develop valid conclusions and action steps
• Experience drafting a range of commercial contracts and advising as a corporate generalist
• Strong client counseling background in a deadline-driven, high volume environment; Ability to provide sound legal advice in a short response time and work on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Self-starter who takes initiative to advance and close out projects, is able to work independently and resolve matters efficiently
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of and solve problems, quickly assess issues, and provide sound legal advice to a wide variety of stakeholders, including senior leadership, school administrators and central office departments.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills (writing, client communications, speaking, listening)
• Exceptional judgment, integrity, honesty, credibility, and the courage to make difficult yet necessary decisions
• Highly organized with excellent time management and organizational skills
• Deadline-driven, strategic thinker
• Detail-oriented and results-driven
• Demonstrated success working in fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
• Proficiency with Google Suite (docs, sheets, slides) and Microsoft Office

Residency Requirement:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and must maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.