Assistant Corporation Counsel III - Constitutional

at The City of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Assistant Corporation Counsel III - Constitutional & Commercial Litigation DivisionJob Number:416449-OBS

Description
The City's Department of Law is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel III ("ACC") in its Constitutional & Commercial Litigation Division.
The Constitutional and Commercial Litigation Division represents the City and City officials in a broad range of constitutional and commercial matters in both federal and state courts, specializing in cases raising complex, novel, or high-profile legal issues.
Attorneys in the Division litigate constitutional challenges to the City's ordinances and policies, such as First Amendment speech and religion challenges to the regulations governing Millennium Park, Second Amendment claims against City gun control measures, Commerce Clause challenges to City business regulations, and due process and equal protection claims against City laws governing the sharing economy. The Division also defends City policies and officials against lawsuits or proceedings brought under federal or state statutes, including cases asserting preemption under federal or state law. These include actions initiated by the federal executive branch or Congress. In addition, attorneys in the Division defend City zoning and land development decisions, such as construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, redevelopment of the Michael Reese Hospital site, and the enactment of affordable housing programs. Commercial matters handled by the Division span many legal and factual areas, including infrastructure, government procurement, and contracts.
Most of the Division's cases involve working directly with the City departments and officials who devise or implement the policies and ordinances defended by the Division. The Division also routinely provides advice and counseling to City departments and officials concerning policy development. The Assistant Corporation Counsel will work on a broad range of issues under the general supervision of the Division's Deputy and Chief.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ideal candidates will possess the following:

At least one (1) year of litigation experience in state or federal court in one or more of the following areas: drafting substantive motions, arguing substantive motions in court, assisting in jury or bench trials, taking or defending depositions, or clerking for a state or federal court judge;

Superior academic achievement as shown by measures such as grade point average, class rank, honors, or participation in at least one of the following activities in law school: law review, law journal, moot court, or judicial externship or internship;

Ability to research and analyze complex issues;

Ability to persuasively articulate factual and legal arguments both in writing and orally;

Experience negotiating settlements or drafting settlement agreements;

Ability to take initiative and assume responsibility for assigned tasks;

Ability to organize and prioritize workflow to meet deadlines;

Ability to work well with colleagues and supervisors;

Ability to work well with client department representatives; and

Commitment to public service.

Qualifications

Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree

Admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligible for admission on motion to the Illinois Bar pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 705), good standing with your state Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission
Disclaimer - "Accredited" means any American law school that has passed and maintains the requirements of accreditation by the American Bar Association (www.americanbar.org).
Mandatory Submission Terms
You must submit an online application by July 1, 2026 including the items listed below:
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 above;
Resume;
Law school transcript (official or unofficial);
One writing sample; and
Current printout of your attorney registration status from the Illinois ARDC website (or your admitted state bar's equivalent including your state Public Record of Discipline and Pending Proceedings)
NOTE: Please do not upload or send materials other than those specifically requested above.
NOTE: Failure to submit all materials will result in your application not being considered for the position.
Salary: $85,704.00 - $149,556.00 (salary is based on a variety of factors including experience and credentials)
Click to view our generous benefits package
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For... For full info follow application link.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer