Senior Assistant General Counsel

Chicago Public Schools • Chicago, IL

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About The Position

The Senior Assistant General Counsel, Federal Litigation represents Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and its employees in litigation, primarily in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and in administrative forums such as the EEOC, IDHR, and HRC. Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Deputy General Counsel, the role oversees and partners with Assistant General Counsels on the Federal Litigation team, supports management of federal litigation matters and key personnel decisions, and provides counsel to CPS leadership on policy and resource-allocation decisions. Matters include employment claims, civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, substantive and procedural due process, and Title IX.

The position also provides client counseling and support across CPS schools and departments, supervises attorneys and support staff, and assists with the unit’s organization, training, mentorship, and performance reviews. Employees must live within Chicago city boundaries within six months of hire and maintain Chicago residency during employment; all CPS employees must be Illinois residents.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in the State of Illinois.
• At least five years of legal experience.
• Experience litigating employment-related claims, such as Title VII, ADEA, and ADA claims, and civil rights claims.
• Experience litigating in federal court.
• Trial experience.
• Strong communication skills, including dispute resolution.
• Ability to analyze problems or questions quickly, determine their importance, and recognize when higher-level intervention is necessary.
• Ability to build trusting relationships and work effectively with Board agents whose decisions are challenged in state and federal court.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage numerous cases simultaneously under pressure and with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of and solve problems, assess issues expeditiously, and provide sound legal advice.
• Must establish Chicago residency within six months of hire and maintain it throughout employment; all CPS employees must be Illinois residents.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Manage an active litigation caseload and serve as primary counsel in cases naming the Board and/or its employees as defendants, including taking a primary role in high-profile matters and leading important court appearances and depositions.
• Manage the unit’s work in relevant administrative agencies, including EEOC, IDHR, IHRC, and CCCHR: appear in proceedings, file materials, assign cases, monitor workloads, track deadlines, review Assistant General Counsel work product such as position statements, and assist with case strategy.
• Supervise Assistant General Counsels and support staff, providing direction on litigation strategy and case management.
• Review and edit Assistant General Counsel 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 recommend case resolutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree