Assistant Corporation Counsel III - Constitutio...

Closing Date: 16th May, 2024

Description:

The City's Department of Law is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel III (“ACC”) in its Constitutional & Commercial Litigation Division.

The Constitutional and Commercial Litigation Division represents the City and City officials in a broad range of constitutional and commercial matters in both federal and state courts, specializing in cases raising complex, novel, or high-profile legal issues. Attorneys in the Division litigate constitutional challenges to the City's ordinances and policies, such as First Amendment speech and religion challenges to the regulations governing Millennium Park, Second Amendment claims against City gun control measures, Commerce Clause challenges to City business regulations, and due process and equal protection claims against City laws governing the sharing economy. The Division also defends City policies and ordinances in suits bringing challenges under federal and state statutes, including cases asserting preemption under federal or state law. In addition, attorneys in the Division defend City zoning and land development decisions, such as authorization of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, and ordinances fostering affordable housing. Commercial matters handled by the Division span many legal and factual areas, including construction, government procurement, and contracts. Most of the Division's cases involve working directly with the City departments and officials who devise or implement the policies and ordinances defended by the Division, and the Division routinely provides advice and counseling to City departments and officials concerning policy development. The Assistant Corporation Counsel will work on a broad range of issues under the general supervision of the Division's Deputy and Chief.

Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ideal candidates will possess the following:

• At least one (1) year of litigation experience in state or federal court in one or more of the following areas: drafting substantive motions, arguing substantive motions in court, assisting in jury or bench trials, taking or defending depositions, or clerking for a state or federal court judge;
• Superior academic achievement as shown by measures such as grade point average, class rank, honors, or participation in at least one of the following activities in law school: law review, law journal, moot court, or judicial externship or internship;
• Ability to research and analyze complex issues;
• Ability to persuasively articulate factual and legal arguments both in writing and orally;
• Experience negotiating settlements or drafting settlement agreements;
• Ability to take initiative and assume responsibility for assigned tasks;
• Ability to organize and prioritize workflow to meet deadlines;
• Ability to work well with colleagues and supervisors;
• Ability to work well with client department representatives; and
• Commitment to public service.

Application Process and Materials
You must submit an on-line application by May 16, 2024:

• Cover letter that (1) includes the position title and job number as noted on the posting; and (2) specifically identifies how you meet the minimum qualifications and have the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (official or unofficial);
• One writing sample; and
• Current printout of your attorney registration status from the Illinois ARDC website at www.iardc.org (or your admitted state bar's equivalent).

Note: Candidates experiencing trouble uploading the required documents to our system may e-mail the documents to: DOL.Application@cityofchicago.org. However, uploading documents directly to your CAREERS applicant profile is our preferred method of receipt.

Qualifications:
Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school and admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligible for admission on motion to the Illinois Bar pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 705).

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