Assistant Corporation Counsel I – Building and License Enforcement Division

The City of Chicago Law Department is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel I in the BLE Division to represent the City in Municipal Code enforcement cases related to the public’s health and safety, including building code, police, and licensing matters.  The Assistant Corporation Counsel will work under the general supervision of the Deputy Corporation Counsel of the BLE Division and will handle litigation in state court. The Assistant Corporation Counsel will also be responsible for evaluating cases, drafting pleadings and motions, propounding and answering discovery, engaging in legal research, negotiating settlements, presenting oral arguments and evidentiary hearings, conducting trials, and counseling law clerks on such tasks.  The Assistant Corporation Counsel will also communicate with City Departments, community groups, and Aldermanic offices; review proposed ordinances and legislation; respond to subpoenas; oversee special projects and initiatives; and counsel law clerks on such tasks.  The substantive areas of law will include, among others, buildings, zoning, licensing, and other related real estate and property matters.  This position requires initiative, flexibility, time management, and the ability to think and respond to urgent situations.

Qualifications
 Application Process and Materials

You must submit an on-line application along with all application materials by the post-extension date July 26, 2022.

• 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);
• Two writing samples; and
• *Current printout of your attorney registration status from the Illinois ARDC website at www.iardc.org (or your admitted state bar’s equivalent), if applicable or a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and intent to take the bar exam to obtain required IL Licensure indicated in cover letter.

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 www.StudentAid.gov/publicservice or contact your federal loan servicer.

NOTE REGARDING REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL MATERIALS: Please do not submit references.  Please do not send to us any materials other than those we have specifically requested above.  Submission of references and/or additional materials other than what is specifically requested above shall result in your application not being considered for the position.

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.

Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree and admission to the Illinois (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 (www.americanbar.org).

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Ideal candidates will possess the following:

• demonstrated academic achievement;
• experience handling litigation in state court and administrative proceedings;
• strong writing skills, including experience drafting or responding to pleadings, motions, and discovery;
• previous municipal law and/or prosecutorial work experience;
• excellent negotiation and communication (oral and writing) skills;
• ability to respond quickly in emergency situations; and
• demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, monitor, and control workflow deadlines.

Please navigate to our website for the full post information and application procedures: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dol/supp_info/attorney_vacancies.html