Senior Assistant General Counsel, Federal Litigation

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

11h

About The Position

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 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. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience. The Litigation Unit of the Board of Education’s Law Department represents the Board, and its employees, in civil suits filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County and in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The Litigation Unit also handles administrative matters and provides client counseling. Job Summary: Under direct supervision of the Deputy and Assistant Deputy General Counsel, the Senior Assistant General Counsel represents CPS and its agents in litigation pending primarily in the Northern District of Illinois, as well as administrative forums (e.g., EEOC, IDHR, and HRC). The Senior Assistant General Counsel oversees the work of and partners with Assistant General Counsels on the Federal Litigation team and has the opportunity to provide meaningful counsel to CPS leadership, informing policy decisions and resource allocation. Matters include employment related claims (e.g., Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA), civil rights claims brought under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983, substantive and procedural due process, and Title IX. The Senior Assistant General Counsel assists the Assistant Deputy General Counsel with management of all federal litigation matters and with key personnel decisions for the team.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school, required
Must be licensed to practice law and in good standing in the State of Illinois
Minimum of five (5) years of legal experience required
Experience litigation employment related (e.g., Title VII, ADEA, ADA, etc.) and Civil Rights claims
Experience litigating in federal court
Trial experience required
Possess strong communication skills including dispute resolution
Possess the ability to quickly analyze a problem/question and decide the level of importance and when higher level intervention in necessary
Capable of building trusting relationships and functioning effectively with Board agents whose decisions are being challenged in state and federal court
Possess organizational skills and the ability to manage numerous cases simultaneously under pressure and with limited supervision
A demonstrated ability to take ownership of and solve problems, to expeditiously assess issues, and provide sound legal advice

Nice To Haves

Admission to the U.S. District Court for Northern District of Illinois is preferred
Experience managing or supervising employees is preferred

Responsibilities

Manage active litigation caseload and serve as primary counsel on cases in which the Board and/or employees are named defendants. This includes taking a primary role in high profile matters and leading important court appearances and depositions
Manage the unit’s work in the relevant administrative agencies (including EEOC, IDHR, IHRC and CCCHR) as part of representing the Board and Board personnel in agency proceedings by appearing in agency proceedings, filing materials in agency proceedings, assigning cases, monitoring work loads, tracking deadlines, reviewing AGC work product (such as position statements), and assisting AGC’s with overall strategy
Supervise AGC’s and support staff and provide direction on litigation strategy and overall case management
Review and edit AGC’s written work product
Assist the Assistant Deputy General Counsel with managing the unit, including organization, training, mentorship, and performance reviews
Provide client counseling, advice, guidance, and support across a network of schools and departments
Represent the Board and/or employees at settlement conferences
Analyze case value and make recommendations on case resolutions; and
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
Leaves