Legal Assistant, Labor & Employee Discipline

Chicago Public Schools • Chicago, IL

22d • Onsite

About The Position

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The CPS Law Department provides a full array of legal services to the Chicago Board of Education and the various departments and divisions of Chicago Public Schools. The Labor and Employee Discipline Unit (“L&ED”) handles traditional labor law matters and appeals involving unfair labor practice charges and arbitration demands filed by labor organizations. Additionally, the Unit prosecutes employee discipline matters before administrative agencies and the Illinois State Board of Education.

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Unit’s Deputy General Counsel or Assistant Deputy General Counsel, the Legal Assistant performs routine administrative duties for assigned attorneys and provides general administrative support across the Law Office. This is a full-time, non-exempt position that will be paid for time worked on an hourly basis.

Requirements

• High school or GED equivalent and a minimum of five (5) years of administrative or clerical work experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of one (1) year of administrative or clerical work experience
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to maintain accuracy while balancing multiple time-sensitive priorities
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic, complex, fast-paced environment to meet and manage competing deadlines
• Ability to independently manage tasks, timelines, and systems, and follow tasks through to completion with little or no follow-up; knows when to ask questions
• Sound judgment regarding confidential matters and information; ability to maintain confidentiality
• Clear, effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills (speaking, writing, listening)
• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact positively and professionally at all times with team members, other Law Department staff, executive offices, internal clients and external partners
• Knowledge of legal requirements to ensure compliance with subpoenas and court orders or the ability to quickly gain proficient knowledge
• Solid working knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures or the ability to quickly gain proficient knowledge
• Excellent typing skills and proficiency using Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Hard-working team player
• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Schedules meetings and/or other similar matters as appropriate and manages staff calendars as needed
• Properly routes and responds to emails and other communications in a timely and professional manner
• Obtains documents, payroll records, and other information to respond to subpoenas and other requests
• Reviews investigatory and other reports to redact certain confidential information
• Organizes and maintains physical and electronic case files and records with attention to detail and confidentiality
• Inputs data and maintains databases (e.g., open and closed files)
• Drafts and mails tailored letters to employees, opposing counsel, witnesses, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level