Chicago Public Schools Seeks Assistant General Counsel

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, have access to a high quality education that prepares him or her for success in college and career.

CPS is seeking an Assistant General Counsel to represent CPS and its agents  in state court and various administrative forums. Matters include personal injury cases ranging from slip and falls to sexual assaults and death cases, mechanic’s liens, property tax appeals, construction cases, whistleblower claims, limited employment matters and breach of contract claims.  The Assistant General Counsel will have the following responsibilities: 

1. 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;
2. Provide client counseling, advice, guidance and support across a network of schools and departments.
3. Working cooperatively with supervisors, attorneys and staff within the Law Department;
4. Developing and maintaining professional, client-centered and productive relationships with diverse group of CPS departments, schools and agents; and  
5. Demonstrating a strong work ethic, integrity, sound judgment, initiative, and strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.  

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:  jury trial experience; issues involving injuries to minors; litigating business-related torts; the Tort Immunity Act; practicing in the Motion Section of the Cook County Law Division; commercial litigation including breach of contract actions and real estate - construction and/or mechanics liens; experience or exposure to education.   

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 high standards of integrity.

Interested candidates can find additional information on the Chicago Public Schools career page. A cover letter, resume, three current references, and two recent writing samples (one preferably a dispositive motion) are required.