Counsel
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. The position may also perform related duties as required or assigned. Counsel handles matters including labor, employment, personal injury, property damage, contract disputes, public accommodation, workers’ compensation, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) issues. The role participates in all stages of litigation and may engage in affirmative litigation, including filing petitions for workplace orders of protection. Counsel performs legal research, drafts legal documents, responds to legal inquiries from Park District departments, supervises paralegals and support staff as necessary, and maintains legal records and prepares reports. The position is based at 4830 S. Western Ave, Chicago, Illinois. The Park District’s telecommuting policy allows up to two remote-work days per workweek. The estimated salary range is $91,000–$96,597.07; final salary will be determined in part by the selected candidate’s qualifications. Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and list of three professional references.
Requirements
- A law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited college or university.
- At least 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 workers’ 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
- Represent the Chicago Park District in legal matters, including labor matters, labor union negotiations, employment matters, personal injury, property damage, contract disputes, public accommodation, workers’ compensation, and FOIA matters.
- Participate in all stages of litigation, including investigation, written discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeals.
- Engage in affirmative litigation as applicable, including filing petitions for workplace orders of protection.
- Conduct legal research and draft agreements, contracts, pleadings, motions, briefs, case reports, abstracts, letters of opinion, and memoranda.
- Respond to legal inquiries from various Park District departments.
- Supervise paralegals and support staff as necessary.
- Maintain legal records and prepare required reports.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
