Assistant Corporation Counsel I - Building and License Enforcement Division

City of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated attorney for the role of Assistant Corporation Counsel I. This position focuses on representing the city in critical Municipal Code enforcement cases that impact public health and safety. The successful candidate will manage litigation, conduct legal research, and collaborate with various city departments and community groups. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant difference in the community while developing your legal expertise in a supportive environment. If you're passionate about public service and eager to tackle challenging legal issues, this position is the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar or intent to take the bar exam.

Responsibilities

• Handle litigation in state court and evaluate cases for Municipal Code enforcement.
• Draft pleadings, engage in legal research, and negotiate settlements.

Skills

Research Skills

Writing Skills

Analytical Skills

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Time Management

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

Job Description - Assistant Corporation Counsel I - Building and License Enforcement Division (411311)

Job Number:

411311

Description

The City of Chicago Law Department is seeking an attorney for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel I in the BLE Division to represent the City in Municipal Code enforcement cases related to the public’s health and safety, including building code, police, and licensing matters.

The Assistant Corporation Counsel will work under the general supervision of the Deputy Corporation Counsel of the BLE Division and will handle litigation in state court. Responsibilities include evaluating cases, drafting pleadings and motions, propounding and answering discovery, engaging in legal research, negotiating settlements, presenting oral arguments and evidentiary hearings, conducting trials, and counseling law clerks on such tasks. The Assistant Corporation Counsel will also communicate with City Departments, community groups, and Aldermanic offices; review proposed ordinances and legislation; respond to subpoenas; oversee special projects and initiatives. This position requires initiative, flexibility, time management, and the ability to think and respond to urgent situations.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Ideal candidates will possess the following:

• demonstrated academic achievement;
• strong research and writing skills;
• excellent analytical skills;
• excellent negotiation and communication skills, including the ability to take the initiative on assigned tasks and work well with others;
• the ability to respond quickly in emergency situations and organize, prioritize, monitor, and control workflow deadlines.

Preference may be given to candidates possessing the following:

• previous municipal law and/or prosecutorial work experience;
• experience handling litigation in state court and/or administrative proceedings;
• experience drafting or responding to pleadings, motions, and discovery.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar (or eligible for admission on motion to the Illinois Bar pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 705), good standing with your state Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission.
• Or, if applicable, intent to take the bar exam to obtain required Illinois Licensure indicated in cover letter.

Application Process and Materials

You must submit an on-line application by March 26, 2025:

• 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;
• Current printout of your attorney registration status from the Illinois ARDC website at www.iardc.org (or your admitted state bar's equivalent), if applicable.

Salary: $75,828 - $126,336

Selection Requirements

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

Fair Chance Hiring Employer: The City of Chicago is committed to being a Fair Chance Hiring employer. We value applicants with diverse experiences, including those who have had prior contact with the criminal legal system.

Residency Requirement: All employees of the City of Chicago must be actual residents of the City of Chicago as outlined in 2-152-050 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required.

Reasonable Accommodation : If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to disability or pregnancy in order to participate in the application process, please contact the City of Chicago, Department of Human Resources, at 312-744-4976 or [e-mail].

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.

Job Posting

Job Posting Date: Mar 6, 2025, 9:17:04 PM | Closing Date: Mar 27, 2025, 4:59:00 AM