Senior Assistant General Counsel - State Court Litigation

The Board of Education of the City of Chicago, also known as Chicago Public Schools (CPS), has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child, in every community, has access to a high quality education that prepares him or her for success in college and career.

CPS is seeking a Senior Assistant General Counsel to represent CPS and its agents in state court and various administrative forums. The Senior Assistant General Counsel will have the opportunity to provide meaningful counsel to CPS leadership, informing policy decisions and resource allocation. Matters include personal injury cases ranging from slip and falls to sexual assaults and death cases, construction cases, whistleblower claims, limited employment matters and breach of contract claims. The Senior Assistant General Counsel will have the following responsibilities:

• Managing an active litigation caseload and exercising independent judgment on complex issues related to personal injury, torts, affirmative litigation, property tax appeals, administrative hearings, debarments and other substantive litigation areas as needed;
• P rovide client counseling, advice, guidance and support across a network of schools and departments.
• Working cooperatively with supervisors, attorneys and staff within the Law Department;
• Developing and maintaining professional, client-centered and productive relationships with diverse group of CPS departments, schools and agents; and
• Demonstrating a strong work ethic, integrity, sound judgment, initiative, and strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Type of Education and License Required : Juris Doctorate and Illinois license to practice law in good standing. Chicago residency within six (6) months of the start date is required.

The Ideal Candidate Possesses Experience in One or More of the Following: 5+ years litigation experience; jury and bench trials; personal injury litigation; business-related torts; the Tort Immunity Act; Motion Section of the Cook County Law Division; commercial litigation including breach of contract actions and real estate - construction and/or mechanics liens; affirmative litigation and collections; representing governmental or education agency.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Strong communication skills - writing, speaking and listening.
  
  
• Proven ability to manage a caseload with significant financial and/or reputational exposure.
  
  
• Self-motivated with an ability to build trusting relationships with diverse group of colleagues and clients.
  
  
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage numerous cases and matters simultaneously under pressure.
  
  
• Ability to serve as a zealous advocate for CPS while concurrently maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
  
  

Application: Please submit resume, cover letter, three current professional references, and two recent writing samples (one preferably a dispositive motion).

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.