Assistant General Counsel, Federal Litigation

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

17h

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. 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 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 Assistant General Counsel, Federal Litigation 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 Assistant General Counsel works with the Senior Assistant General Counsels and other 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. This is a full-time, non-exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Licensed and authorized to practice law in the state of Illinois.
Minimum of one (1) year legal experience, inclusive of internships, externships and/or clerkships, two (2) years preferred
Experience in employment law and/or civil rights law strongly preferred
Experience litigating employment related and civil rights claims in federal court
Strong communication skills (speaking - including presentations - listening, and writing)
Ability to define and analyze problems quickly, prioritize the level of importance, create valid conclusions and action steps, and determine when higher level intervention is necessary
Capable of building trusting relationships and functioning effectively with Board agents, whose decisions are being challenged in court
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage numerous cases simultaneously under pressure and with limited supervision
Demonstrated ability to take ownership of and solve problems, to expeditiously assess issues, and provide sound legal advice to a wide-variety of client-types, including senior leadership, school administrators and staff, and Central office employees.

Nice To Haves

Admission to the U.S. District Court for Northern District of Illinois is preferred
Experience in employment law and/or civil rights law strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Manage active litigation caseload and serve as counsel on cases in which the Board and/or employees are named defendants
Collaborate with Senior Assistant General Counsel, fellow Assistant General Counsels, and support staff on litigation strategy and overall case management
Provide client counseling, advice, guidance and support across a network of schools and departments
Review and edit written work product
Analyze case value and make recommendations on case resolutions

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