Assistant General Counsel, State Litigation

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

13h

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 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 State Litigation Unit (“State Lit”) represents the Board in civil suits filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County and also handles administrative matters and provides client counseling. Matters include personal injury cases ranging from slip and falls to sexual assault and death cases, mechanics liens, property tax appeals, construction cases, whistleblower claims, limited employment matters, breach of contract claims, debarments, bid protests and FOIA litigation. Job Summary: Under the direct supervision of the Deputy and Assistant Deputy General and Senior Counsels, the Assistant General Counsel will represent CPS at the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission and state court. This role involves managing the defense of CPS in workers’ compensation cases, working directly with CPS’ third party administrator to advise on claims handling, strategy, and data analytics, as well as managing related recovery efforts including subrogation and affirmative litigation. The Assistant General Counsel will collaborate and provide guidance to appellate counsel on workers’ compensation matters, work closely with CPS Talent’s workers’ compensation manager, and various stakeholders to align benefits across units while providing strategic counsel to CPS leadership, informing policy decisions and resource allocation. 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 from an accredited law school.
Licensed and authorized to practice law in the state of Illinois.
Minimum of two (2) years of workers compensation practice experience, including direct experience counseling clients, is required.
Strong communication skills (speaking - including presentations - listening, and writing)
Proven ability to manage a caseload with significant financial and/or reputational exposure.
Self-motivated with an ability to build trusting relationships with diverse groups of colleagues and clients.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage numerous cases and matters simultaneously under pressure.
Ability to serve as a zealous advocate for CPS while concurrently maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
Possess the ability to quickly analyze a problem/question and decide the level of importance and when higher level intervention is necessary;
Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps.

Nice To Haves

Additionally, experience in one of more of the following areas is preferred: insurance defense, declaratory actions, breach of contract, affirmative litigation, municipal benefits and collections.
Preferred prior supervisory experience and a demonstrated ability to manage personnel of differing abilities;
Ability to articulate and execute a vision, set high standards, and effectively guide schools and principals in the realization of expectations set;
Effective strategic planning capabilities, including the ability to establish long-term vision and goals, and align/manage activities toward goal fulfillment;

Responsibilities

Managing an active workers compensation caseload and exercising independent judgment on complex issues related to;
Provide supervision and guidance to assistant general counsels and staff;
Provide client counseling, advice, guidance and support across a network of schools and departments.
Working cooperatively with supervisors, attorneys and staff within the Law Department;
Developing and maintaining professional, client-centered and productive relationships with diverse group of CPS departments, schools and agents; and
Demonstrating a strong work ethic, integrity, sound judgment, initiative, and strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

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