Legal Administrative Assistant - State Court Litigation

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States, serving over 350,000 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.

The Legal Administrative Assistant will work in a team to support the State Court Litigation Unit of the Law Department. This unit has ten attorneys and handles a very high volume of cases in the practice areas of personal injury, commercial litigation, administrative hearings, debarments, workers compensation, administrative review, FOIA litigation, property tax appeal interventions, mechanics liens and wage garnishments, counseling, subpoena responses, and pre-litigation claims.

The Legal Administrative Assistant will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Perform responsible administrative work and routine administrative duties for assigned attorneys and leadership in the Law Department;
  
  
• Data input and maintaining databases regarding open and closed files in the Litigation Unit;
  
  
• Scheduling depositions, court reporters, and conference rooms;
  
  
• Docketing court dates and deadlines;
  
  
• Filing pleadings, motions, and court documents;
  
  
• Answering phones, directing calls to the appropriate parties, and taking messages as appropriate;
  
  
• Performing other related duties as required;
  
  
• Annual temporary deployment to support schools;
  
  
• This position is of a confidential nature and has regular access to the Law Department and other CPS Departments' confidential files, data and information, including confidential student and employee information.
  
  

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

Type of Education Preferred :

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
  
  

Type of Experience and Number of Years :

• A minimum of three years previous administrative or clerical work experience in a legal office; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Knowledge of Google Suite applications (Gmail Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Forms, etc.)
  
  
• Knowledge of Word, Microsoft Office, Excel, and E-filing software
  
  
• Preferably knowledgeable of legal terminology and Illinois State Court procedures.
  
  
• Hard-working team player with attention to detail.
  
  
• Excellent customer service skills.
  
  
• Ability to work in a high volume, deadline-driven environment
  
  
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to multitask, and typing skills.
  
  

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 his or her CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.