Counsel

Chicago Park District•Chicago, IL

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, Counsel (Litigation) performs legal duties for the Park District Law Department and represents the Park District at administrative hearings and court proceedings on various legal matters and performs related duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

Law Degree conferred by an American Bar Association accredited college or university
Minimum of two years of progressively responsible legal experience in two or more of the following areas: administrative or municipal law, personal injury, civil rights, contracts, environmental law, employment law, labor (union) law including employee discipline and grievance arbitration, litigation, real estate or worker’s compensation.
Must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Illinois.
Working knowledge of litigation practices and procedures, including discovery, depositions, motion practice, arbitrations, mediation, and trial.
Demonstrated proficiency in legal research, analysis and writing.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to organize and prioritize work, monitor case progress, and meet applicable deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Admission to the General Bar for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is desirable.
Experience handling multiple stages of litigation, including discovery, depositions, motion practice, arbitrations, mediation, and trials.

Responsibilities

Represents the Chicago Park District in legal matters including but not limited to: labor matters, labor union negotiations, employment matters, personal injury, property damage, contract disputes, public accommodation, workers’ compensation, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) matters.
Participates in all stages of litigation including investigation, written discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeals.
May also engage in affirmative litigation, such as filing petitions for workplace orders of protection to protect the well-being of park staff and the general public.
Performs legal research and drafts legal documents such as agreements, contracts, pleadings, motions, briefs, case reports, abstracts, letters of opinion, and memoranda.
Responds to legal inquiries from various Park District Departments.
Supervises paralegals and support staff as necessary.
Maintains legal records and prepares required reports.